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Forum Discussion
Southweststucco
7 years agoHelpful | Level 5
Microsoft word and excel only opens online version, I want to open normal excel and word
When I go to open any excel or work files from my computer it only gives me an option to open the *online* version, not the version that opens up into a new window. I paid for all the software of microsoft, not sure why this happeneed, I am sure it is a quick fix but I have no idea what to do.
I cant do anything until i fix this!
HELP! ASAP!
- Walter
Dropbox Staff
Hey there Southweststucco - have you tried downloading the files you want to work on and open them locally on your ( Windows I imagine) computer?
Keep me posted!
- Rich
Super User II
Walter wrote:
Hey there Southweststucco - have you tried downloading the files you want to work on and open them locally on your ( Windows I imagine) computer?
That doesn't really answer the question. The option to open a file in the local copy of Office no longer appears on the website. The only option is Word/Excel Online, or if it's a Word doc, the ability to copy it to Paper.
The available options today
What happened to the option to open the file in the locally installed copy of Word or Excel? This option was previously available if you had the Dropbox client installed and the file was synced locally. That option is no longer a choice in the Open dialog.
The options previously available
It's as if the website can no longer detect that the client is installed (and thus, that the file is synced locally), so it doesn't present the option to open the file in the local copy of Office.
- Walter
Dropbox Staff
Thanks for pointing this out Rich !
Microsoft has recently removed the ability to add Dropbox as a place in Office 365 - documented here, that is probably why you don't get that option any more.
Having said that, all users should still be able to edit their files using the Open button on our website.
Hope this clears things up - I'm also looking into this myself (as it's pretty recent) and I'll make sure to let you know when/if I got any more information about this.
Thanks again and enjoy the rest of your day!
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