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elfrock's avatar
elfrock
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago

Can't open pdf on first generation ipad

I occasionally use my 1st gen iPad for display purposes. I transferred a pdf via Dropbox, and when I clicked on the file to open it I got a gray page. And seemingly no way back to the file list. I t...
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  • elfrock's avatar
    elfrock
    2 years ago

    Hi Megan Yes I have wifi and have transferred the pdf via iMessage and it opens fine on the old iPad.

     

    So I have a viable workaround. But it seems I will have to live without a functioning DropBox there. No big problem as I rarely use the old iPad. Just needed it for this one job.

Walter's avatar
Walter
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

Hi there elfrock, sorry to hear you're having issues with this.

 

Can you please let me know if this happens with only a specific file or if others are affected as well? 

 

Have you tried clearing the app's cache since you first noticed this?

 

Also, are you able to preview this file normally on the website via a web browser?

 

Keep me posted!

elfrock's avatar
elfrock
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago

Hi Walter

I do not know if this would happen with other files since I cannot get back to the Dropbox file list to try. I'm stuck with the gray screen that appeared when I tried to open the pdf.

And yes the file opens normally in other apps or in a web browser. So nothing appears odd about the file itself.

How would I clear the cache of the dropbox app on an 1st gen iPad, running iPadOS 5.1.1?

  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    2 years ago

    To clear your cache, please follow the steps listed below elfrock 

     

    - Navigate to the “Personal” tab

    - Tap the gear icon in the upper-left corner of the screen

    - Select “Clear Cache”

     

    If the issue persists, please send us a screenshot of the last screen you can get to so that we can have a visual as well. 

     

    Thanks!

    • Krabut's avatar
      Krabut
      Helpful | Level 6
      2 years ago

      Are you actually saying that I could use the DB app on my own iPad gen 1? I thought you had ceased support years ago?!

      • Megan's avatar
        Megan
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
        2 years ago

        Hi Krabut, feel free to have a look at Rich's response here, since he described everything greatly. 

         

        If you have any questions, I'm always at your service!

    • elfrock's avatar
      elfrock
      Helpful | Level 6
      2 years ago

      Thanks Walter

       

      I can't clear Dropbox cache on iPad because i can't get out of the gray screen - screen shot attached.

       

      I tried clearing Dropbox cache on my iPhone, thinking it might sync, but that didn't help.

       

      • elfrock's avatar
        elfrock
        Helpful | Level 6
        2 years ago

        P.S. I just sent the same pdf to DB via iMessage and it opens fine.

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