Forum Discussion

GarfField's avatar
GarfField
Explorer | Level 3
3 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...
desktop
Dropbox Basic
edit
Microsoft Office
Web
Hannah's avatar
Hannah
Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
3 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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