Cannot Open Any Documents From Recent List

Question

For starters, I am using Microsoft Word Version 16.59 on macOS Catalina Version 10.15.7.

My recents list was working fine earlier today, but now it has suddenly ceased working. It doesn't matter which document I choose, I always get the same message: "Can't open [document]. This document is either deleted or not currently accessible." I get the same message if I click "Show in Finder." Similarly, if I go under "File" and "Open Recent," I receive a prompt to grant Word access to the document, and when I do so it tells me "user does not have access privileges."

However, I know that these documents both exist and can be accessed by Word - not only do the documents appear in Finder, but when I open them through Finder, Word is able to access them just fine.

So for whatever reason, it seems that it's not Word itself that doesn't have access, but the recent list specifically. Any help with this would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Hello MicahRose,

Thank you for coming to the forum. I will be happy to troubleshoot this with you.

It looks like there is something off with your Word app, try uninstalling it and adding it again from the app store.

You have not mentioned which office version this is, since this is the 365 group, I believe that is the one you have, do have your Microsoft Account credentials ready in case it needs you to sign in again to activate the office (it normally should not.

Answer 2

@ Leonardo

You said you are using iOS, which is for iPhone and iPad, not Macs. If that is truly the case, please reply and a moderator can split your reply off and place it under the iPhone and iPad category.

Answer 3

Hello, I have a similar problem with the version 2.65 of ios Word App. I also stopped working around 3-4 ago. I cant access my documents through the phone but I can do it through my desktop. The One drive app gives me a read only version of the document (which updates with what I do in the desktop) but when ever I try to open it in my phone, a Message appears telling me the "(Document) might be locked, in use, or you don't have sufficient permissions."

I have already deleted and downloaded the app.

Also, I have the 365 group office version. And every time I try to open a document, the app asks me to sign in before it shows me the message mentioned above. I really need the office app as it is more comfortable fore me, thanks.