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Error that the file couldn't be opened when accessing Google sheets document online.
Hi,
I'm encountering a problem while using Google sheets that's integrated with Dropbox. It used to be fine, but when I tried to open it today, the page refused to load and the message that I got is "File could not open. Try refreshing the page". I already tried to refresh the page several times, but it wouldn't work. I even tried to copy the file and open the copy -- but again, to no avail. This happened to my several other Google sheets documents as well.
What do you think is happening and what should I do now? I'm afraid that it will affect my other Google documents since I'm using the Google-Dropbox integration quite often.
I'd appreciate any help, thanks!
Hi Megan, thanks for replying, I copy the files into the same folder (though error also happens when I copy to elsewhere).
Steps are summarised below so you can see the second error in context. I sent the original issue to support on March 14th, (ticket 21729904) dropbox engineers are working on it but no progress afaik.
Error 1:
- Try to open 'Problem1.gsheet' spreadsheet file
- 'Could not open file, try refreshing the page'
Workaround:
- Rename file to 'Problem1.xlsx', open online, file works
- Close file, rename to .gsheet, open online, file works
Error 2:
- Make a copy of the 'fixed' .gsheet aka 'Problem1-fixed-copy.gsheet'
- 'Could not open file, try refreshing the page'
Essentially the workaround only sorts out individual files, it does not fix the issue with using copies of files. Some people mentioned that the problem applies mostly to copies of 'template' files.
46 Replies
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- Jay
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi sendyjasmine, Dina B, in the default apps section, do you get the option to switch to Google Docs/Sheets etc? If so, please switch to those versions and try opening the documents again.
Is the Google account associated with your profile a private account, or is it part of a Google Workspace (or business) account?
Hi. I've created several templates using Google Sheets that have been directly created in dropbox.com . When I try making copies/duplicates for some of the google sheets - the duplicated version won't open it says exactly this: File could not open. Try refreshing the page. I've tried making duplicates in the same folder, different folders, tried opening from safari and chrome, and the issue is still the same. I've tried making duplicates from both Dropbox web and dropbox finder. I didn't have this issue last week as I duplicated a budget where both files could open and be edited in but now making a duplicate won't open. Please please please help if anyones experienced the same thing and has a solution!
- Hannah
Hey organizerpm123345, thanks for bringing this to our attention.
Are you having this issue only with Google Sheets, or other G-Suite files as well, like Google Docs, etc.?
How about entirely different file types?
Can you please send us a screenshot of the error, so we can have a visual as well?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Hanna, this is how it looks like. I have no issues duplicating and opening google docs and google slides. The issue is only with google sheets. All the google sheets varies - some only have a bit of text in whilst others have formated cells with formulas
I am also having this same exact issue with one of my google sheet files in dropbox
- Nancy
Hey organizerpm123345 and Cory M!
Can you please clarify if you’ve both enabled third-party cookies on your web browser?
Yes, third party cookies are enabled
We have been using Google Sheets and Documents within our Dropbox for over a year now, however, recently when we attempt to open older documents or copies of our Google templates (from Finder, the Dropbox app and the internet site) we are directed to a webpage that says "File could not open. Try refreshing the page".
The same error appears on Chrome, Safari and Firefox and refreshing doesn't seem to work. Does anyone else has the issue and, if so, is there a way to resolve it?
Hi
As of this morning I can't open large google spreadsheets (I've checked 5 large files) on Dropbox either via desktop or online. Small files (single sheets with less than 200 lines) open fine, gdocs and slides also open. Making a copy of the files, clearing cache, logging in+out, incognito, wifi/wired connections, different laptop (mac and windows), and different browsers did not help. I have already contacted support for help (they are working on it), posting here in case someone in the community has another idea.
Many thanks!
- Hannah
Hey Cory M, pollenstudio, and anyone else experiencing this issue, thanks for the info.
Can we send you an email, so we can look into this a bit more closely?
