Cant open or save to keep data safe message

Question

when i try to save a file to my desk top or pc i get this

Answer 1

Hi @Tim Jenkins,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

According to your concern, may you confirm that you received the error message like this:

If that's the case, this is highly the issue with Windows Security configurations that blocking the app from writing to protected folders like Desktop, Documents, etc. To resolve this issue, you need to:

• In the Search bar, type Windows Security to find the app and open it
• Select Virus & threat protection > scroll down to find Ransomware protection > Manage ransomware protection
• Look for the Controlled folder access option. If it's On, toggle it off and check if the issue persists.

I hope this helps you move forward smoothly. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out again on this post so I can continue to support you.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Looking forward to your response.

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Answer 2

If you are encountering a message that prevents you from saving files to your desktop or PC, it could be due to several reasons:

1. Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to save files in the folder you are trying to use. You need both read and write permissions for the folder.
2. Mapped Drives: If you are trying to save to a mapped network drive that is offline or no longer exists, this can cause issues. Disconnect any problematic mapped drives and try again.
3. File Block Settings: Sometimes, specific file types may be blocked by your Office settings. You might receive an error message indicating that the file type is blocked by your registry policy settings.
4. Third-Party Add-ins: If you have third-party add-ins installed, they may interfere with the saving process. Try starting Excel in Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. If it works in Safe Mode, a third-party add-in may be the cause.
5. Security Features: Windows may block files downloaded from the internet as potentially harmful. You can try unblocking these files through their properties or using PowerShell to remove the Mark of the Web (MOTW).

If these suggestions do not resolve the issue, consider checking for any specific error messages that may provide more insight into the problem.

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