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dwtcd's avatar
dwtcd
Explorer | Level 4
6 years ago
Solved

I can't edit my Excel file when I open it on my iPad

Hi,

I'm using Dropbox on my iPad and opening excel files in the Dropbox App. When I want to edit them, I'm tapping 'Open' on the file in the Dropbox app. Which then opens the File in the Excel app.

The problem is that I am then unable to edit the document and am seeing an error message telling me that the file is ready only'. Image below.

I am using the latest versions of iOS, Dropbox and Excel on my iPad.

Any ideas would be really welcome!

Thanks,

DWTCD

 

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  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    6 years ago

    As the message states, the file is more than likely in an older Excel file format (2007 or older). Newer versions of Excel save files in a different format. While you can open and view the older formats, you usually can't edit them in the iOS apps. This is a Microsoft issue, and unrelated to Dropbox.

4 Replies

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  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
    6 years ago

    As the message states, the file is more than likely in an older Excel file format (2007 or older). Newer versions of Excel save files in a different format. While you can open and view the older formats, you usually can't edit them in the iOS apps. This is a Microsoft issue, and unrelated to Dropbox.

  • dwtcd's avatar
    dwtcd
    Explorer | Level 4
    6 years ago

    Ah,

    Ok, that makes sense.

    Thanks for your help.

    DWTCD

  • FTT's avatar
    FTT
    New member | Level 2
    4 years ago
    Hello,

    We have set up a new Dropbox Business account with 5 users. We are trying to work in excel and when one of us opens an excel file it locks everyone else out. After they save it they becomes read only for everyone as well. Then randomly one of us can open it and edit the excel again. PC seems to work fine iPad not so much. Any suggestions,

    Thanks
  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    4 years ago
    Hi FTT, thanks for posting today! 

    When did this start happening? 

    Also, can you send me a screenshot of the message you received when trying to open the file? 

    Keep me posted!

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