Corrupted Word Documents

[GillW]

I am at my wit's end!  I didn't realise that DropBox would corrupt files.  I now have several Word documents in a folder that I need for my course work assessment which are no longer Word documents and which won't open.  I'm actually really worried - I trusted DropBox and am actually thinking I shouldn't have...Can anyone tell me what has happened please?

Also my tutor is unable to open the PDF files - they open with a padlock and are so tiny he can't read them...he is one of those listed as being able to open them (TM ).

Please help me - I need all this for my assessment and am now seriously worried.

Thank you.

[Mark]

Dropbox cannot alter files at all - it simply hasnt got the capability or capacity to do so. 

You've not said which files are not opening BUT my guess is the ones starting 6.2 etc.? If you notice the .pdf (or .doc/docx) is missing from the end of the file name, so, the computer doesnt know how to open them. Simply rename them with whatever you used to make them and they should be and they'll almost certainly open.

[GillW]

You are a Star, Mark Super User ll - thank you! That worked.

My second query underneath about the PDFs - any input on this, please?

Many thanks indeed.

Gill

[Lusil]

Hey @GillW, if possible, could you send us a screenshot of the preview with the padlock that you mention?

Did you send the files via a shared link, or as individual shared files?

[GillW]

Hi Lusil

Thanks for your reply.
I can access my PDFs with no problem. I've sent the share link to someone else who can also open it without a problem.

Its my college tutor who is saying that it's a tiny padlocked box which does open, but with a document so small you can't read it! I will email him and ask him to send me a screen shot - he does take a while to respond however.

Note that he is one of the people who has access to my folders and files (TM on the screen shot).

I will revert - thanks so much.

Gill

[Lusil]

Take as much time as you need, @GillW. 

I'll leave this thread open, so whenever you have more info for us, just give us a nudge. 

Cheers!

[GillW]

Thank you! I note you are also asking re the shared link. My daughter can open the doc as a shared link. My tutor is trying to open it directly through his account to mine, as it is a shared folder.

Sounds as if I know what I'm talking about, ha ha!

G:-)

[Lusil]

It definitely helps, the more info we have, the better! 

Since we're on the topic, could you ask your tutor if they are opening the file from the website or through the desktop app?

[GillW]

Yes I will, Lusil - he's not very good at getting back to us so if I don't hear I'll be seeing him on Wednesday for my lesson and I'll make sure he gives me an answer then! Thank you!

[Lusil · Accepted solution]

No worries, @GillW!

Looking forward to hearing back from you.