How to lock Excel files and prevent two people from editing them at once?

[pleasehelpme1]

Question about viewing/editing permissions in an excel file that is shared on dropbox-

I have an excel file that is shared through dropbox but not on the actual excel file. Multiple people use this excel file to keep track of things on a spreadsheet, however, when two people are in it at once, the saves get messed up and it creates a new file where it saves for the user that edited it, but it does not save on the original file for the other users to be able to view. I'm not sure I fully understand the problem so I hope I have adequately described what I believe is going on.

Basically, I am wondering if there is a way to lock the dropbox/excel file so only one person can get into it and edit it at one time, but everyone that it is shared with still has their same permissions to be able to edit it- but only when no one else is in the file.

I hope that makes sense. 

[Walter]

Hi @pleasehelpme1 - welcome to our Community!

I'm sorry to hear you're having issues with this. Let's have a further look into it now!

First off, note that conflicted copies can indeed occur when a file is left open on another computer (or by another user), especially when using applications with an auto-save feature. Closing the file from within the application on either computer should prevent further conflicts.

One workaround that can be used to prevent conflicted copies is to move the file out of the Dropbox folder while editing it. Doing this causes the file to appear as deleted and doesn't allow other users to edit the file. Once you're done editing, you can move the file back into its original location in the Dropbox folder. It will reappear with your edits for all users who have access to that file.

Another thing you could consider in this case, is using the Dropbox Badge as it will let you know that others are editing the file by turning red and displaying a lock icon. You’ll still be able to edit, but the badge is there to warn you that if you and the other person continue editing at the same time, you may create different versions of the file.

I hope this information helps and please keep me posted on your progress! 

[pleasehelpme1]

Walter-

Thank you for the information. Just to confirm, there is no option/feature to completely block entry into the file while another user is already in it? 

Thank you!

[Walter · Accepted solution]

Actually there is @pleasehelpme1!

It's called File Locking and  it's available to Dropbox Business users for now.

Let me know if you have any more questions!