word dialog: you cant open this location with this program, please try another location

Question

Word wont open some files on my external SSD unless I move them to another location on the same SSD. If I move the file to a folder just one folder up on the Hierarchy, it will open the file.
How do I solve this while still keeping my files as organized as I would like them?
PS...this has never been an issue on other external drives....if it matters the drive I am using is a 1TB Samsung T7

Answer 1

May be because of folder permissions.

Open your SSD with file explore then go to the folder where you face the issue.
Right click on the whole folder and select Properties
Select Security tab then Advanced
Give yourself full control over the folder ( your user name)
Apply
Restart your computer

I hope this will help you

Answer 2

I found a much simpler explanation and solution:

The folder path and filenames (total number of characters) are too long for Office to handle.

You either need to flatten or reduce the number of characters in the folder names and file name or copy the file to a location such as C:\Documents\ and open it from there.

Bizzare limitation of Office 365 in the 21st century.