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Forum Discussion

Mels3's avatar
Mels3
Explorer | Level 3
5 years ago

opening a password protected spreadsheet on my Android

An excel file (.docx) was shared with me through dropbox.  I WAS able to open it on my android phone.  Then, we decided to have it password protected, so the owner added a password.  Now, I can't ope...
Android
Microsoft Office
Mobile
Third Party Integrations
  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    5 years ago

    Generally, Office files with passwords won't open via Dropbox, due to the security on the file itself. 

     

    Can you try exporting the file directly to Word or Excel to see if this helps?

     

pennyspam's avatar
pennyspam
Explorer | Level 3

Hi Jay, It wasn't showing in the Files tab either :(

 

I just had the owner of the original file unshare and reshare with me - just so we could start "fresh" .  When I opened the Dropbox app (on my phone), it showed up and it had the three dots, but as soon as I click it, it crashes the app and I have to sign in again. 

 

THEN I had them do all that again, only first, they removed the password off the Word Doc.  This time, I was able to open it without crashing the app.  Then they switched back ON the password and it crashed my app on my phone.   So, without the password, it works just fine, but WITH the password, it crashes the app.  

 

What can I try next to help you help me figure this out?

 

BTW - I forgot to mention that we have tried it with BOTH the Word & Excel version of the same document and it's the same result: it works if they remove the password, but NOT if the password is activated on the original. 

Jay's avatar
Jay
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
5 years ago

Generally, Office files with passwords won't open via Dropbox, due to the security on the file itself. 

 

Can you try exporting the file directly to Word or Excel to see if this helps?

 

  • pennyspam's avatar
    pennyspam
    Explorer | Level 3
    5 years ago

    Yes, it works if I export it, but then it's just a copy of the original? is that correct?  Then I can't see changes after they take place, right?

     

    How can we share a password protected file, if not Office?  Any suggestions?  

     

    Because we tried it with Google docs, and it was the same problem. 

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