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GarfField's avatar
GarfField
Explorer | Level 3
2 years ago

I have editing permissions but can't edit a file; says it's 'read-only'

I am trying to edit a .docx file but am unable to, both from the web browser and the word document itself. I have downloaded the Dropbox desktop app and am not able to edit it when opening from there either. The file shows that I have permission to edit the file but when I open it, it will only open in "read only" mode. 

3 Replies

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  • Hannah's avatar
    Hannah
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    2 years ago

    Hey GarfField, thanks for reaching out to us.

     

    The 'read-only' property on a file that's saved to your computer, is not Dropbox related, it's a setting you can change through your computer's settings.

     

    Are you on a Windows or Mac computer?

     

    And can you also clarify what issue you have editing the file through our website?

     

    Let me know and we'll go from there.

  • CGH7's avatar
    CGH7
    New member | Level 2
    2 years ago

    Hi Hannah - new question but related to this one.  I'm on a Macbook Pro.  Open document from Dropbox to Word for Web which is in 'read only' mode but it asks me if I want to convert to Edit mode, which I click convert (I have the permissions to do this).  Used to be fine - would just open as Edit mode and I could copy the doc or whatever.  Now that convert to edit is on a continuous loop in Word for Web.  I click convert, it does but for a millisecond then pops up with the prompt to convert to edit? yes. convert to edit? yes....never staying on the edit version in Word.  

  • Mark's avatar
    Mark
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
    2 years ago

    Hi CGH7 

    Have you tried clearing cache/cookies and temp internet files?

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