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Word cannot open the document: user does not have access privileges

Anonymous
2021-09-11T07:22:19+00:00

Hi,

I have a brand new Mac and have installed my office 365 package. I have also just linked my dropbox but cannot access any of my word files from Dropbox. I have tried copying and pasting the documents to my desktop and also dragging and dropping. I have followed the instructions to grant access but it still won't open and I get the error message "Word cannot open the document:  user does not have access privileges". I have tried about 10 documents from different folders in my dropbox. I have checked for this problem online and in these forums and the only information I can find dates to around 2016/2019 and OS no later than El Capitan. I have checked the Big Sur and Microsoft software is up to date, (it already was before I tried to open documents, first thing I did once everything was installed was to update software to most recent). I've had the Mac for two days and this is the first time I've tried to open word documents on it. Incidentally, documents saved on the one drive will open. I am not a novice, but also not an apple genius, so I thought I'd ask here before I start poking around in disk utility and permissions as I don't really know what I'm doing in there and would appreciate some step by step advice. I have attached screen shots of the error messages and also my software versions. Thanks in advance.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For business | MacOS

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-09-12T11:05:02+00:00

    Sorted it!

    Found this in a dropbox forum...

    "It seems like the files you're trying to access are online-only and, to open them, they'll need to be made local. 

    You can do this by right-clicking on the file, selecting the Smart Sync option, and then clicking on local."

    I've never had this issue before with my old Mac, but it seems that a dropbox file needs to be downloaded via the steps above (Catalina onwards - although I was running Big Sur on the old Mac) and then it opens with no problems. Thanks for your help,

    Nicola

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  1. Jim G 134K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2021-09-12T15:21:58+00:00

    DropBox supports mobile and Office WEB applications

    https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Office-and-DropBox-frequently-asked-questions-88931030-47f9-4134-bc52-a8863bb0169f?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US

    DropBox integration with Office WEB applications

    Microsoft Office 365 Integration - Dropbox 

    DropBox does not support direct opening or saving of files with Microsoft desktop applications.

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-09-12T11:00:02+00:00

    I can't open JPEGS or PDF's directly from dropbox either, so perhaps a wider Mac problem, or indeed dropbox??

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-09-12T10:58:13+00:00

    Just opened an excel file from dropbox and I had to grant access, but it did open. Thanks for your advice, I'll try it and report back.

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-09-11T14:08:37+00:00

    Hi MooBooHome,

    As per your description, “Incidentally, documents saved on the one drive will open.” it seems issue only occur when you open your Wod document form from Dropbox location. And also, your tried copying and pasting the documents to my desktop but issue still persist.

    We’d give you the suggestions below and hope that will help you:

    1.You can set up Mac in safe mode according to this article: Start up in safe mode.This can help you troubleshoot whether it is caused by third-party software.

    2.Based on my experience for everyone else running into this problem, the solution is

    Grant permission

    How to fix permissions errors

    https://appuals.com/office-2016-grant-access-error-on-macos/

    ***Disclaimer:****Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.*​​  

    If issue still persist even new created word document on your Mac OS, then I suspect components were corrupted somehow. You can go to the Applications folder In Finder and drag Microsoft Word.app to the trash. Then Restart your Mac Download this installer Install package and use it to reinstall Microsoft Word (the latest version 16.52). Then, restart your Mac and test.

    Meanwhile, if you don’t mind could you please confirm whether other applications also get the same problem? Such as PowerPoint or Excel and etc.

    I appreciate your understanding and stay safe!!

    Best Regards

    Waqas Muhammad

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