In both Blender 2.27 and 2.26 I am unable to append anything from other files. I press shift-f1 > select file > select mesh > append > nothing appears at the origin. I have checked all of the layers and the objects aren’t there. Help!
Thanks
dante
are the other files internally gzipped?
if they are, you can’t append anything. just open them and set the gzip to off.
i had this problem with x-w the other day. it took me 2 hours to figure it out.
try appending the Object instead of the Mesh.
Martin
Hi all first post here 
Been into blender only a few months so iam only a noob , so Dante if my answer seems vague pls forgive but after a few days of searching i found a way that works for me in 2.27 i was doing exactly the same as you with same result
do the shift-f1,select the file and open now go to the objects folder right click it to highlight it than left click to open, press “A” to select everything than hit enter and the object ready to go turns up in the window
I had the append button depressed as soon as i opened the window and the file only had one object in it , if this doesnt work just try bringing them into a new window
This worked for me hope it helps you and iam sure the older blenders will give you a better answer
anyway iam off to find out how to make windows for my mech hanger like i said iam a noob 
If you append a mesh (rather than an object) it just imprts the mesh data itself, not the positioning in the scene.
The fact that the mesh data and the global position is seperate is what makes things like alt+d work.
Anyway, If you add a mesh, here’s how to add it to the scene:
Add a mesh object. Any will do - it’s going to be replaced anyway. I use plane. because it’s smaller, but it really makes no difference.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE OUT OF EDIT MODE (otherwise you’ll replace your mesh with the plane instead of vice-versa)
Go to editbuttons (f9)
in the header for editbuttons there are 2 textareas. the left is the mesh. Click the [-] and choose your mesh (it should have a O next to it saying that it’s unlinked)
et viola (I never figured out what this has to do with violins though…)
this has nothing to do with violins and is written “voilà”. 
Martin
Perhaps I was unclear… I am unable to append ANYTHING. Not objects not meshes, not lights, not materials. nothing. I will try what Ash suggested tho. Thanks for your help thus far.
dante
I know. That’s the joke. Some people…