Forum Discussion

Southweststucco's avatar
Southweststucco
Helpful | Level 5
8 years ago

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 mic...
Third Party Integrations
Ross_S's avatar
Ross_S
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
8 years ago

I wonder if we have a misunderstanding of what the button does:

 

Open -> Open in Microsoft Word  = Open the actual Word doc that I already have on my desktop

 

If the doc isn't there then it will not open.

If you can't see the doc in that folder then I wouldn't expect to see that functionality.

 

Unless I missed it, can you confirm that if you navigate to that location, and double click the actual file, then it opens. If you're not able to complete this process for any reason then the option should not appear.

 

As someone (Rich?) mentioned on the prev page, this feature is just the same as double-clicking the local doc.

 

 

hollymchargue's avatar
hollymchargue
Explorer | Level 4
8 years ago

When accessing a file through a shared link, I no longer have the Open menu with the dropdown option to "Open in Word." I only have the Open button, which leads me to Microsoft Online - which I do not want to use. 


The folders in which the files are saved are shared folders in which I either own the folder or have access to edit. 

 

I have been able to Open in Word/application until just this week. This happens regardless of file type. Colleagues who have access to the same folders and files have the Open/dropdown menu and are able to open the file from the location. 

I know I can just go over to the folder, but that's extra steps and having it within the Dropbox link is much more convenient when working with folders with hundreds of files. 

I'm using a Macbook pro and Chrome browser. I have the latest browser and Microsoft updates. 

Any ideas? 

  • hollymchargue's avatar
    hollymchargue
    Explorer | Level 4
    8 years ago
    I don't think this is the right board, but there wasn't one that made sense in the menu and I wasn't allowed to post to FAQ.
  • patrice1's avatar
    patrice1
    New member | Level 2
    8 years ago

    I am also having this problem for the last two days. Macbook pro, chrome, shared folder    after accesseing through microsoft word for two years, now only online word shows up. GRRRRRRRRRr

  • hollymchargue's avatar
    hollymchargue
    Explorer | Level 4
    8 years ago

    Patrice1, 

    You might try reinstalling Dropbox and updating/relaunching Chrome. One of those helped me - I did both before checking. 

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