diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_file_cont.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_file_cont.svelte
index 209c423a..ebd5451a 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_file_cont.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(launcher)/launcher_file_cont.svelte
@@ -277,6 +277,17 @@ async function handle_open_file() {
         open_file_clicked = true;
         open_file_status = 'checking_cache';
         open_file_status_message = 'Checking local cache...';
+        open_file_error_detail = null; // Fix 1: clear stale error from any previous attempt
+
+        // Fix 2: safety valve — if a native call hangs and no path resets the button,
+        // force-release it after 60s. All normal paths reset within ~8s so this is last resort.
+        setTimeout(() => {
+            if (open_file_clicked) {
+                open_file_clicked = false;
+                open_file_status = 'error';
+                open_file_status_message = 'Timed out — please try again';
+            }
+        }, 60_000);
 
         const exists = await native.check_hash_file_cache({
             cache_root,
@@ -364,6 +375,14 @@ async function handle_open_file() {
             }
         }
 
+        // Fix 3: update the status message as soon as the open call returns so "Opening..." doesn't
+        // appear stuck for the entire post_script sleep. OS has the request; we're just waiting now.
+        if (open_ok) {
+            open_file_status_message = profile.post_script
+                ? `${profile.app} opened — running setup...`
+                : `${profile.app} opened`;
+        }
+
         // --- Step 5: Wait for app to load before running post-script ---
         // Only delay if there is actually a post_script to run — no point waiting for nothing.
         if (open_ok && profile.post_script) {
@@ -426,6 +445,7 @@ async function handle_open_file() {
         open_file_clicked = true;
         open_file_status = 'downloading_onsite';
         open_file_status_message = 'Downloading (Onsite Mode)...';
+        open_file_error_detail = null;
 
         let filename = event_file_obj.filename;
         if (
@@ -457,6 +477,7 @@ async function handle_open_file() {
         open_file_clicked = true;
         open_file_status = 'downloading_default';
         open_file_status_message = 'Downloading...';
+        open_file_error_detail = null;
 
         const dl_promise = api.get_object({
             api_cfg: $ae_api,