Preface - I am working on a Mac computer with OS Catalina 10.15.6 with SPSS version 24.

The first time I noticed was a couple months ago while I was working with SPSS 23. I was taught how to open excel files with SPSS by searching for a specific file end: .xlx or something.. I was able to do it for a while, but then potentially I upgraded the Mac software, not sure, and after that, was not able to locate any files anymore. I would save the excel files in specific places, files, folders, locations.. but they would never open up when I looked for them in those specific locations in SPSS. I never managed to fix the problem but luckily I had already opened the data on my computer and had it saved.

Now the problem returns, I am trying to install process as a custom dialog in SPSS. I go through all the steps, download and then save the map in my downloads or other places. In SPSS I go to extensions, utilities, and then install custom dialog, with no luck, the .spd file never appears to be found.

Any help to b offered??

Once you have installed a custom dialog or extension command, you don't need to find it again. You just use it from the menus or via syntax. The PROCESS custom dialog will appear on the Analyze > Regression menu.

Once you have saved the download, depending on the file type, you should be able to Use the Extensions > Install Local Extension command menu or open Extensions > Custom Dialog Builder (choose compatibility mode) and use its File > Install menu to install the dialog.

Ok, I think I understand what you are saying, its just that I sill have not been able to install the custom dialog.

When I went to the Extensions -> custom dialog builder it still did not find the files in my computer.

So maybe more specifically I save files in my computer, in multiple locations, under the correct extensions: .xlx , .spd and when I try to open them in SPSS.

Maybe you are filtering by the wrong extensions. Custom dialogs might be spd or spe. Excel files might be xls or xlsx. In the Open dialog box, look for an "all files" setting in the filter at the bottom and try that in the location where you saved the files.