# JabRef does not recognize if linked files are deleted

**URL:** https://discourse.jabref.org/t/jabref-does-not-recognize-if-linked-files-are-deleted/280
**Category:** Features
**Created:** [October 26, 2016, 12:51pm UTC](https://discourse.jabref.org/t/jabref-does-not-recognize-if-linked-files-are-deleted/280 "2016-10-26T12:51:03Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![Braunch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/258eb7/32.png) [@Braunch](https://discourse.jabref.org/u/Braunch)
#### Post date: [October 26, 2016, 12:51pm UTC](https://discourse.jabref.org/t/jabref-does-not-recognize-if-linked-files-are-deleted/280/1 "2016-10-26T12:51:03Z")

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When I delete a file, that is linked to an entry, JabRef only recognizes it when I check for integrity.  
When I try to open the PDF, nothing happens. I should get informed that the files path might no longer be valid and maybe I should be given the opportunity to change/delete the linked path.

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Please vote if you support this proposal:

_Poll ([view on site](https://discourse.jabref.org/t/jabref-does-not-recognize-if-linked-files-are-deleted/280/1))_

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### Author: ![mlep](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/discourse.jabref.org/mlep/32/387_2.png) [@mlep](https://discourse.jabref.org/u/mlep)
#### Post date: [October 26, 2016, 1:07pm UTC](https://discourse.jabref.org/t/jabref-does-not-recognize-if-linked-files-are-deleted/280/2 "2016-10-26T13:07:43Z")

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In fact something happens: “Unable to open link.” is displayed in the status bar:

![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/jabref/original/1X/57b92ddeea2c9c492e168cca2eba30374aded858.png)

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### Author: ![Braunch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/258eb7/32.png) [@Braunch](https://discourse.jabref.org/u/Braunch)
#### Post date: [October 26, 2016, 1:26pm UTC](https://discourse.jabref.org/t/jabref-does-not-recognize-if-linked-files-are-deleted/280/3 "2016-10-26T13:26:35Z")

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I have seen this but I would expect something more significant than just this small status bar text. Users not that experienced with JabRef might just not read that. Taking in account that users may easily overlook the status bar rule 7 is definitely violated: [https://faculty.washington.edu/jtenenbg/courses/360/f04/sessions/schneidermanGoldenRules.html](https://faculty.washington.edu/jtenenbg/courses/360/f04/sessions/schneidermanGoldenRules.html)