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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.

elfrock's avatar
elfrock
Helpful | Level 6

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!

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

        re Rich's response: That's exactly what I am saying.

        So, why is Walter (dropboxer) advicing the user of a 1st gen iPad to delete cache, if the problem is really that DB does not support iOS v.5.xx?!

  • 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.

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

        Whops! i meant sent it to iPad via iMessage

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