Sources of BIBTEX Problems
Common Problems Opening BIBTEX Files
MacroMates TextMate Isn't There
You encounter an error message such as "%%os%% Can't Open BIBTEX Files" when trying to open your BIBTEX. Usually, this is because you do not have MacroMates TextMate for %%os%% installed. The typical path of opening your BIBTEX with a double-click won't work because %%os%% cannot make the program connection.
Tip: Another BIBTEX-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.
MacroMates TextMate Requires Update
In some cases, you might have a newer (or older) version of a BibTeX Bibliography Database file that is unsupported by your installed application version. Installing the latest version of MacroMates TextMate from MacroMates is recommended. Most of the time your BibTeX Bibliography Database file was created by a newer MacroMates TextMate than what you have installed.
Tip: Sometimes you can get a clue about the version of BIBTEX file you have by right clicking on the file, then clicking on "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac OSX).
Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening BIBTEX files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.
Other BIBTEX File Issues
In the majority of cases, installing the right version of MacroMates TextMate will resolve your issue. Other BIBTEX opening errors can be created by other system problems inside of %%os%%. Problems unrelated to software:
- Corrupt Windows Registry file path references for BIBTEX
- Corruption of the BIBTEX file description inside the Registry
- Corrupt install of MacroMates TextMate or other BIBTEX-related program
- Your BIBTEX can't be loaded properly (file corruption)
- Malware-tainted BIBTEX file can't be opened
- Hardware related to BIBTEXs has device driver corruption
- Windows has inadequate resources to open your BibTeX Bibliography Database file
Quiz: Which file extension is the oldest in existence?
That's Correct!
The text file, or "TXT" for short, is the oldest file extension in existence. Although the exact date is unknown, it is thought to have been invented in the late-1960's.
Close, but not quite...
The text file, or "TXT" for short, is the oldest file extension in existence. Although the exact date is unknown, it is thought to have been invented in the late-1960's.