I just updated to 15.4. Trying to open a simple text file (with srt extension) pops this up: "Apple could not verify" xxxx.srt "is free of malware that may harm your Mac or compromise your privacy." Some other srt files open fine.
This is a dealbreaker for me if I can't disable this "feature". I know I can go burrowing into settings and exempt this one file. No. How do I turn off the whole thing?
MacBook Pro 16″
I found a fix: https://disable-gatekeeper.github.io/
The fact that a system designed to prevent users from launching applications is also blocking text files suggests it is not well designed.
This file extension change workaround does not work at all on my computer with 15.4.1, where the problem still appears.
I am almost sure the cause of this problem lies in the app where the .srt file was created.
Each app has attributes that are inherited by the resulting files, and I believe all we need is some user here who could tell us how to identify the attribute(s) leading to the original app, so we could let the developer know he or she has to contact Apple to fix this issue.
I do hope this disussion goes somewhere with Apple ears because I have so many files of all kinds that just get flagged up it's making using the MAC a real pain. I just go to bootcamp if I know I am going to have to work with them.
Thanks, but they still won't open.
Sorry that didn't work. Hopefully someone will have another idea.
Yes @6x6, that works, but it's just like going into GUI settings and exempting a single file. I don't want this feature at all.
I regularly open and manipulate .srt files with no issues. The problem isn't the OS it's the file...
etresoft, why do you think that's a malware site? I've downloaded many subtitles from it. They have nothing but subtitles in them, and I've never had any trouble.
[Edited by Moderator]
With the exception of the technically correct statement of the very last sentence, every other thing in that reply is wrong.
.
Thanks, John. I saw that one last night while on my iPad, and then the recollection fell out of my ear. 😀
I'll give it a go.
For the record, the workaround is effective only until you shut down the Mac.
When you restart it, the process will have to be repeated.
This is THE fix for this issue. It restored the missing "Anywhere" option on MacOS Sequoia 15.4.1. Thank you!
Sequoia 15.4 refusing to open files - possible malware
