Dropbox Excel file opens as read only

[mlkpied]

When I open an .xlsx file stored in Dropbox it opens as read only on my iPad. Is there someway that it can open so I can update it without changing names? Thanks.

[Sanchez]

Hey, @mlkpied, thanks for getting in touch!

Does this happen with just one .xlsx file, or with all that are in your account? 

Also, is the file (or files) yours, or shared with you by another user? 

Let me know, and we’ll go from there! 

[mlkpied]

It seems to happen with all my .xlsx files. If it matters I probably originally created them on my desktop. They seem to open there without "read" only. The steps I'm taking are

Export

Open In

Excel

[Jay]

Hi @mlkpied, what happens if you attempt to edit the file via the Dropbox mobile using these steps?

[mlkpied]

Thanks. I'm not sure of the exact sequence of events but I think I create this situation when I try and access the same file from Dropbox on my iPad when it is still open on my desktop, which makes sense, can't have two copies of a file with the same name.

[Jay]

It is possible that this could be the case, could you try testing when Excel is closed on the desktop machine to see if you can edit the file on the iPad?

[mlkpied]

Yes, that's why I think the problem is that I had the file opened on my desktop. There was a file in Dropbox that got created at some point that named a file with the original name and then in parentheses added something about the file in conflict with my desktop. I hadn't noticed that file until today. When I closed the file on my desktop, got the names reestablished, the .xlsx file opened with read/write status.

[Jay]

Glad to hear you were able to resolve the matter, @mlkpied!

If you need any further help, feel free to let me know. Enjoy your week!