adding file (pdf) as attachment moves out of the current folder

eduvelle · 2025-07-16T15:10:56+00:00

Hi there,

I have seen this bug multiple times now since I upgraded to Zotero7. When I go to attach a downloaded pdf to an existing reference, just as the attachment proceeds, my zotero 'explorer' moves out of the folder that the reference was in and goes to a different folder.
It is quite annoying as I then have to find back where I was (and I have lots of folders).
However, it doesn't always happen (I just did some tests) so I am not sure what exactly causes it. I tried to generate an error report but it was empty.

I have only tested it in Win10 (64 bits), currently zotero 7.0.16 but seen in previous Zotero7 versions.

Thanks for any help! - El

dstillman · 2025-07-16T15:20:08+00:00

If you can capture a Debug ID and/or a screen recording of it happening (which you can post here or email to support@zotero.org with a link to this thread), that would be helpful.

eduvelle · 2025-07-16T15:53:06+00:00

Thanks @dstillman for the quick answer. I've been trying to replicate the problem and it just won't do it again, even though it usually regularly happens. So it maybe only happens under specific circumstances. If I manage to find out the conditions to replicate it I will update this thread.

mjthoraval · 2025-07-17T07:35:42+00:00

It is probably this bug:
https://forums.zotero.org/discussion/118016/double-click-to-select-file-clicks-again-in-zotero-after-closing-the-file-selection-window

Reported also here:
https://forums.zotero.org/discussion/117881/focus-shifts-after-adding-an-attachment-by-item-menu
https://forums.zotero.org/discussion/120040/the-focus-jumped-to-a-random-item-after-adding-attachment-by-context-menu

The bug is due to the wrong handling of the double click. You can just press Enter after selecting the attachment in the explorer window, or click on Open at the bottom of the explorer window.

mjthoraval · 2025-07-17T08:24:32+00:00

I do not see the bug anymore in the latest Zotero beta though, so it may be fixed already in the beta.

eduvelle · 2025-07-17T09:22:31+00:00

@mjthoraval thanks for the info! Yes this seems to be the same bug! (except it selects a different folder, instead of a different file, because the selection box is placed above my folder lists). I'll wait for the next version then!