Microsoft Office access to files and folders in Dropbox

[Movin]

Hello,

I have seen a post regarding access rights given on files and folders when using Microsoft office online and would appreciate a clarification.

I have user with which I am sharing an excel file from my community dropbox, but they are reluctant to edit it as Microsoft Office pops up and says it needs to give them access to their files and folders in dropbox. They have a private dropbox which, of course, would not want to share with Microsoft.

Has this feature a workaround or this is a allow or do not use excel at all? 

If the latter, would it work to download the file make the changes and then upload it again? Would the new file replace the file on the web or add an additional file?

Many thanks for your help!

Movin

[Hannah]

Hey @Movin, thanks for posting your question to our Community today.

Can you let me know at which point of the process, does this pop-up show up?

And are they trying to do this using the Excel app on their computer or when trying to edit the files through Excel for the web on our website?

Once I know more, I'll be able to better answer your query.

Thanks!

[Movin]

Hi!

This appears just right after they click on the edit dropdown box "excel on the web". I guess they do not have have Microsoft office installed?

Not sure as I did not have that issue.

[Jay]

Hi @Movin, in order to use Excel on the web, since it uses the Office site to edit files via Dropbox, it's asking for permission to access the files on Dropbox. This would only be when you choose to edit files. 

If they don't want to do that, they could install the Dropbox desktop application, allow the files to sync to their computer, and then use their desktop version of Excel to edit files, and the saved changes to sync to the site.

[Movin]

Hello,

Many thanks for the feedback! I guess there is no other option. I understand the user is afraid that Microsoft may have access to all other files he/she has in the dropbox. Is this fear correct?

Many thanks,
Patricia

[Megan · Accepted solution]

Hi @Movin, Microsoft has access to the files a user chooses.

And even if a file is personal, and user chooses to edit it with Microsoft, that won't allow you or any other Dropbox user to access it. It doesn't share the file with anyone else. 

[Jess1996]

When using Microsoft Office online with Dropbox requires access to files and folders for seamless collaboration. However, there's a workaround if your user doesn't want to share their private Dropbox. You can download the file, make the changes offline, and then upload it again. The new file will replace the previous one on the web. By the way, if you're looking for free activation tools, you should definitely check out kms-activators-free.com. They have some great options! Hope this helps!