Cannot edit excel files on any other device b/c workbook is read-only

[Graz]

I recently created my Dropbox account so that I can keep track of an excel document at any time I need to access it.  I am able to view and edit the excel file on the original computer (Windows 7) I uploaded it on; however, I am not able to edit it on other devices.  I can only view them.  When I attempt to edit the file on another laptop (Windows 10) and on my cell phone (Windows Phone 8.1), I get the message:

"Can't Save

Changes can't be saved because this workbook is read-only. Save it with a new name."

I cannot figure out why it is not working.  I am accessing the file from the Dropbox App on both my laptop and phone.  I also did not save it as a read-only file as I can edit the file on the original computer.  I want to be able to view and edit the file from any of the other devices so that I can keep the spreadsheet up to date.  The file is an .xlsx file type, which I believe should be supported by Dropbox.  The only thing I can think of that may be the problem is the email address I used to open my Dropbox account.  The email address I used is an .edu account.  I am not sure if that is considered a business account or a personal account.  Can someone please help me?

[Jay]

Hi there,

Just to confirm, when editing the file, you mentioned using a cellphone and another computer. Could you help me to look into this matter by letting me know the following:

- Are you opening the Excel file using the Excel application installed on the cell/computer, or are you accessing them via the web only.
- You mentioned a specific Excel file, does this happen with all Excel files or just this specific file?
- If you create a new Excel file from the other computer or cellphone, can you edit it on the other devices, or do you get the same error?

Thanks in advance!

Jay

[Graz · Accepted solution]

Hi Jay,

Thank you so much for replying to my email!  I recently solved the problem on my laptop.  It turns out I had the mobile app installed instead of the desktop app.  I am still having issues on my  Windows Phone though.  Here are the answers to your questions:

• Are you opening the Excel file using the Excel application installed on the cell/computer, or are you accessing them via the web only.
  • Yes.  I have Excel installed on both my Windows Phone and laptop.
• You mentioned a specific Excel file, does this happen with all Excel files or just this specific file?
  
  • I just tried it again, and this happens with all Excel files using my Windows Phone.
• If you create a new Excel file from the other computer or cellphone, can you edit it on the other devices, or do you get the same error?
  • As I already mentioned, I solved the problem with my laptop, so i am able to edit files; however, I cannot on my Windows Phone.  I just created a new Excel file on my phone and added the file to my dropbox.  I was then able to open it on my laptop and edit it, but when I went back to my Windows Phone to see if I could edit it, I got the same error, "Can't save. Changes can't be saved because this workbook is read-only.  Save it with a new name."

According the the help section, it appears that IOS/Android are able to edit files on phones.  Are Windows Phones unable to edit files?  I can't seem to figure this one out!  Thanks again for your help!

Graz

[Mark]

I dont believe Windows phones yet have the ability to write back to Dropbox, but, thats something you'll need to ask Microsoft as its them who implement the integration to Dropbox

[Patel_200]

I had the same problem but in my android.
It just started happening recently after android update, i believe.
After making changes on the excel file, when i try to save, .xls is the only option available and still unable to save the file.
Works fine with windows.