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Forum Discussion
Can't open password protected file
One of my files is password protected but when I try to access it via Dropbox.com on my PC I put in my password but it says that it is incorrect. It is not incorrect. I can access the file via my Tablet.
Thank you.
- Jay
Dropbox Staff
Hi johnblakemore, thanks for messaging the Community!
What type of file are you trying to access?
Are you accessing it from the site, or downloading it and opening it in a specific app?
This will help me to assist further!Hi
The file is a Word document (.doc) and I am trying to access it from Dropbox.com through my browser on my PC
When I open the file I am asked for the password but it says it is an incorrect password. When I open the file via the App on my Tablet it accepts the correct password.
Thanks.
John
- Megan
Hey johnblakemore, sorry to jump in here!
Have you tried a different browser in order to preview your file? Can you give it a go and let me know how it goes?
I'll be waiting for the results.
I'm having the same problem as of yesterday. Trying to open word docs on my mac that I was able to open the day before but now get an error message saying the password is incorrect. I know for certain that I am entering the correct passwords. I have tried multiple browsers without any luck.
- Nancy
Hey deb-reyn! I hope you’re doing well.
As Hannah has mentioned here, it isn’t possible to preview a file on the Dropbox website, as long as it's password-protected.
For more info, you can also check this Help Center article.
Hi,
I am having the exact same issue, I have attempted all the same troubleshooting that you have with this person and would like some more help please.
Thanks ever so much.
Sam
I am having this same problem, just started yesterday. I was able to open all password protected files yesterday morning, then by the afternoon I get the error message "the password you entered is incorrect". I know 100% it is correct. I have tried multiple browsers without success.
I have never had a problem accessing password protected word docs on my mac until yesterday, April 20, 2023. I get an error message "incorrect password" for every single document, when I know for certain I am entering the correct password. I tried on both firefox and chrome. No luck on either. This is my job so I have to be able to access these files. Thanks for any help!
Hello community, you know I have a problem with the preview of office files when they are protected with a password, they simply do not open, any tips to solve this problem, obviously without having to download the files to open them- Hannah
Hey Carlitoxbrown, thanks for reaching out.
I'm afraid that Dropbox doesn’t support files that are password-protected in other applications, like Office files.
You'll need to download the file, if you'd like to view it and keep the password protection.
You can read more about this here.
I have a password protected word document (*.dcox).
It does not want to open in edit mode when accessing via my Mac/Chrome browser.
Should it work?
At present I log in, find the file, click to open, it asks "Enter password to Continue"
Password is not recognised. yet it IS the right password.
I either a) have to download it and use it that way, or b) Open in Word for Web, but that is read only, and cant edit.
Is this correct?
- Nancy
Welcome to the Community, ASample!
Is your document’s password not recognized if you log in to Dropbox via another web browser or even incognito mode?
In case you have other MS files that are password-protected, can you please double check if the same thing happens for them, too?
Let me know what you find.
Hi Nancy
To test, I have created a brand new password protected *.DOCX file. with a very simple password.
I have tried the following:
- Open via Safari browser - it says the password is incorrect
- Open via Chrome on 2 different macs - it says the password is incorrect
- As the file is the newest file I have uploaded it is viewable via the menu bar on my mac (top of the screen), opening it via here..it says the password is incorrect
- If I open it via my android phone and the dropbox app - It works
- If I open the file direct from my mac hard drive in the drop box folder: It works
- if I open it via the chrome browser in my Android phone - it says the password is incorrect
please advise as this seems very inconsistent.
Thanks
Adam
If you're facing difficulties accessing a password-protected file on Dropbox from your PC, despite entering the correct password, try the following steps.
First, verify the password's accuracy and consider copy-pasting it to eliminate typing errors. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, as well as disabling browser extensions, to rule out browser-related issues.
If the problem persists, attempt a password reset from another device where you can access the file successfully. Additionally, check for two-factor authentication (2FA) and ensure that your browser is up to date.
If the issue persists, temporarily disable security software, and if all else fails, contact Dropbox support for further assistance regarding the specific issue on your PC.
