Troubleshoot BIB Files
Common BIB Opening Problems
MacroMates TextMate is Not Installed
When trying to open your BIB file, you get the error "Can't Open BIB File Type". If so, it typically means that you don't have MacroMates TextMate installed for %%os%%. Your operating system cannot associate your BIB with MacroMates TextMate, so double-clicking the file won't work.
Tip: If you know of another program that can open your BIB file, you can try opening it by selecting the application from the programs listed.
MacroMates TextMate Requires Update
Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of MacroMates TextMate installed that's incompatible with your BibTeX Bibliography Database type. Download the latest MacroMates TextMate version from the MacroMates website to ensure you have the correct one installed. The primary cause of this problem is that your BibTeX Bibliography Database file was created by a different (newer) version of MacroMates TextMate than what's installed.
Tip: Right-clicking on your BIB, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.
Conclusion: The majority of BIB file opening issues are due to not having the correct MacroMates TextMate version installed.
Additional BIB Opening Issues
Errors opening BibTeX Bibliography Database files can still occur even with the latest MacroMates TextMate software installed on your computer. If you are continuing to have errors with loading BIB files, other external issues might be to blame. Problems unrelated to software:
- BIB file references in the Windows Registry are broken
- Accidental deletion of the description of the BIB file in the Windows registry
- Partial installation of MacroMates TextMate that did not fully complete
- Your BIB file is corrupted (issues with your BibTeX Bibliography Database file itself)
- The BIB is infected with a virus
- BIB-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
- Windows cannot load your BibTeX Bibliography Database file due to insufficient resources (eg. RAM)
Poll: What file type do you use the most at work / in school?