You might see that the Dropbox Community team have been busy working on some major updates to the Community itself! So, here is some info on what’s changed, what’s staying the same and what you can expect from the Dropbox Community overall.
Forum Discussion
Unsupported file type
Have been using Dropbox on Windows PC and Android cell phone for many years for the same files. Recently attempted to access two Word documents from Dropbox on cell phone, which I have been accessing...
Jay
Dropbox Staff
Dropbox StaffHi Robert46, thanks for bringing this to our attention.
What is the exact file type you're trying to preview on your device? Is it a doc file or a docx file?
Is the error in the Dropbox mobile app, or the Word app (when opening via Dropbox)?
This will help me to assist further!
The two documents are docx which I have always been able to open in the past. They are both password protected, but Dropbox has always accommodated that, allowing me to enter passwords to access. Not sure where the error lies, with Dropbox (assumed) or with Word. I have Microsoft Office on cell phone. The error message has a target with a dart off-center, and the message, "File type not supported. Couldn't download file. Please try opening in another app." Am looking for a workaround. If found, will discontinue use of Dropbox because it will no longer be of any use. Will revert to One Drive.
- Nancy
Hey Robert, hope it’s OK if I jump in, too.
Do you mind sending over a screenshot of the exact error you receive, so that I can have a visual? In general, .docx files that are up to 160MB in size can be previewed on Dropbox, so I’d also like to take a look.
Besides that, are you having the same issue if you try to preview another .docx file that’s not password-protected?
Thanks to all who tried to help. Will not be sending screenshot since I described it in detail in one post. Have traced this problem to Dropbox since I am able to open file in cell phone from one-drive. This proves that Word and phone are performing properly. Problem appears to be with Dropbox. Docx files which have no password protection open fine from Dropbox on phone, so problem is with password-protection, which always worked from Dropbox until recently. Will not be renewing Dropbox.
I am having the same problem with password protected MS Word docx files but not (interestingly) password protected Excel xlsx files. This situation is a recent development as password protected docx files were handled by Dropbox on my Android phone okay until lately. Definitely a bit of a pain!
BTW I am attaching a screenshot which might help.
Yep! That's the same error message I received, graphics & all. As I mentioned, I have found a workaround by accessing the password-protected file through One Drive. Won't be using Dropbox anymore.
