File "Can't be Found" prompts after Ventura 13.1

Since updating to Ventura 13.1, at random times, when I double-click on a file to open it, I get a prompt that the file can't be found. If I click OK then double-click the file again, it opens as it should. It happens randomly to files of all types. I have never created aliases to any of these files and they are stored locally on a desktop folder. This has never happened before 13.1. Any ideas?


iMac 2020 3.6 GHz 10-Core Intel Core i9

AMD Radeon Pro 5700 XT 16 Gb


iMac

Posted on Dec 20, 2022 11:15 AM

Reply
Question marked as Apple recommended

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Posted on Dec 20, 2022 11:25 AM

145 replies

Apr 8, 2023 5:16 AM in response to FiNChCZ

There is no way from "this side" of things to tell what's needed to do a fix or how much work (if any) is going into it. Some fixes go into the "easy" bucket and get quickly addressed by the new kids on the staff. Other things are harder (or riskier) to address, they have to wait for somebody with more experience. Their schedule is always packed with projects.


That said, yes, the wait is very frustrating and some level of feedback / any feedback at all from Apple would be a good thing.



Apr 8, 2023 11:32 AM in response to bobfromcarlisle

Yeah. It was just a sighs. I know how this works @ Apple side (I'm doing something similar for 20+ years). :D


IMHO it's xattr / Gatekeeper issue. Maybe that part storing 'source' of the file because I'm 'seeing' it only on files downloaded via FTP (python script, lftp) and here is 'the source' unknown. It looks like Finder's trying to open locked/not-updated/not-assigned-yet inode...

As far as I remember when I moved them onto network drive (not afp but something without xattr support) and then moved them back - the problem disappear.


Conclusion:

It's deeper than we expected, I hope not inside AFPS core, and someone with real experience will have to fix it. I'm just wondering how long is this issue there as I've noticed it in Mojave but without alert window (1st double-click failed). It should be hi-prio tho...

Apr 9, 2023 11:16 AM in response to troyjack

It's a Kernel problem on all Macs with any version of Ventura, like the above said, this has been there since Mojave but did not throw Kernel exceptions or an error window, and yes it should have been addressed back then, it's been a known problem. The update does not fix this and I can see bad addresses and kernel errors in console when this happens. Wonder what's taking them so long to fix it. I mean... it's kind of a huge issue for any OS to have.


Aso, turning off SIP won't help, it still happens. Doesn't matter where the file came from in my case, happens to anything I open other than an App, even unsigned apps don't have this issue. I believe this problem is also related to the preview app crashing when saving.

Apr 9, 2023 11:24 AM in response to Cory Schaal

Preview crashing is something I have definitely noticed frequently since Ventura. In my work, I utilize preview all day long to break up and merge PDF files. What will typically occur when I get the file not found issue is I will have downloaded a large PDF have placed it inside of a folder, and then, when going to launch it, either, double clicking the file or using the cmd+o shortcut the result is the same.


Additionally, I have found that since 13.3 preview has caused a spinning rainbow very frequently when opening large numbers of PDF files. When I say large, I mean more than 50 at a time, which is very common for my normal workflow.


I would love to know more on your thoughts about why it could be a kernel issue and what specifically you are seeing in the air message from the kernel

Apr 12, 2023 8:57 PM in response to troyjack

I have a brand new Mac M2 running 13.2.1, with only a minimal programs installed and almost zero files on the computer as I did not migrate from an old system. I get this error as well!


Would be great if someone from apple could share a fix that did not involve users wasting so much of their time only for it to resolve nothing.


I second DerJung, I can't believe Apple isn't aware and of such an issue during beta testing and I pray they resolve is ASAP!

File "Can't be Found" prompts after Ventura 13.1

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.