Bug #1302
closedMht file. Now gives error
0%
Description
I have been opening this MHT file on and off since creation, Nov 2025. But now PB (and its spin-offs) refuse to open it. LOGCAT in menu does not list the error, it shows at bottom and stays there, shows regardless if other tab chosen. Other MHTs still accessible.
Error: java.lang.SecurityException: com.android.externalstorage has no ac…
that is the error, does not show more if landscape.
i tried uploading but this also gives error.
it seems to be an android issue. Other mhts don't open, but ones that do open also can be uploaded - and they're all in the same folder.
Updated by C B 3 months ago · Edited
- Tracker changed from Feature to Bug
I tried to test another bug before posting that, I created a new file for it and get - I moved it to another dir and still got:
content://com.android.externalstorage.documents/document/primary%3AExport.A11%2FWebs%2Flcd_tv_repair.htm could not be loaded because:
net::ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND
I must note for you one of my other apps had a weird trouble recently, android switched the folder structure it sees which caused the memorised addresses to fail (happened to same app on another [android [8 or] 10] device too after some time) But for this app the file selector had changed to one of a more archaic appearance (which gets stuck on / if you go to top of tree, "storage" being hidden).
before:
/Vmimages/file
after:
/storage/emulated/0/Vmimages/file
But I think reinstalling app fixed the problem there (maybe only solution), thus you won't be able to test any solution straight away! DDG is the browser I am currently using for uploading to this site so it seems effected too. Android 12.
you may wish to add some code "just in case" to test the /0/ address before reporting a failure to load. as for me, the phone is full I will have to clear some files so it will install the PB fresh… remember you will have to do this for all handles, maybe flip a bit for which source to default to else some users will report problems and you won't easily know whats going on after the bug is forgotten.
Updated by Soren Stoutner 3 months ago
- Status changed from New to Closed
Privacy Browser uses the Storage Access Framework. You can read a little about this at:
https://www.stoutner.com/privacy-browser-3-7/
What this means is that if you are having problems opening a file, you need to file a bug with the program that is providing the `content://` URL and not with Privacy Browser Android.
Updated by Soren Stoutner 3 months ago
Please read the link I posted in comment 2 above about how, for security reasons, Privacy Browser Android does not use direct file access permissions and instead uses the Storage Access Framework.
Updated by C B 18 days ago
I followed the link and got an idea, but I have 3.19.3 and the version pictured was 3.7 so the behaviour is different. I was going to check the destination shown (now it closes without destination confirming) to see if it matches the request to read the file.
;
in the last replies, you imply I could have the option to change the "program that is providing the'content://' URL" just how do I specify this? (thank you)
;
can you do a test with that other app I mentioned to see if that app was what was responsible for breaking "the program" you mentioned? technically it is old if you are using new Androids beyond mine (12), it may bug-out for other reasons.
1. install Limbo x86 (https://f-droid.org/packages/com.limbo.emu.main)
2. open this app and go to settings
3. choose legacy file manager
4. (maybe reguired, and breaks this program) browse for a file and direct to root (cannot escape, even in future).
5. (maybe required) restart.
6. run privacy browser
7. save a page as mht
8. open the mht. the java error mentioned in primary post is seen. some (not all, all same directory) older mhts still work so maybe they have to have a particular name…?
X. (when launching or file open/save) May request file access permission (if yes, issue has been triggered)
if not that app, I have no idea how it happened.
Updated by Soren Stoutner 18 days ago
I have no interest in trying to troubleshoot other apps like Limbo. If you have problems with them, I would suggest you ask their developers.
If you would like to open an MHT, use the open command from Privacy Browser's navigation menu.