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I am not able to open Excel documents in 'protected mode' why? What do I have to do?

Suzanne et Didier Fradet-Wood 20 Reputation points
2025-02-27T11:02:46.4733333+00:00

Up to 2 weeks ago, I was always able to open Excel documents that were protected (read only). I turned my computer off while I was away and now I am not able to open them.

What should I do to open them?

Thank you

Excel Management
Excel Management
Excel: A family of Microsoft spreadsheet software with tools for analyzing, charting, and communicating data.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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  1. Jiajing Hua-MFST 15,285 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2025-02-28T08:19:41.8133333+00:00

    Hi,

    I was always able to open Excel documents that were protected (read only).

    Is your protected file set to read-only or other protection settings, such as sensitivity label, password to open the file?

    Please share us with a screenshot of the message.

    Could you please check the Office product name and product version number?

    To get this information, you may click one Office app > File > Account > Product Information.

    At current time, I suggest you roll back Office to earlier version for a check. Reference: How to revert to an earlier version of Office

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  1. Suzanne et Didier Fradet-Wood 20 Reputation points
    2025-02-27T12:17:52.53+00:00

    I tried yesterday and today - both before and after an update.

    It says: 'We are unable to open the protected document'.

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  2. Suzanne et Didier Fradet-Wood 20 Reputation points
    2025-02-28T08:24:10.6366667+00:00

    Hi, thank you.

    I have been able to open them by changing 1 of the settings in the confidentiality sections. :)

    Thank you for all your suggestions

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