Excel 365 (Online) - User not able to edit unlocked cells on protected sheet

Anonymous
2023-12-18T07:03:05+00:00

We have a team working on Excel files online (in the browser). The files:

  • are stored on an internal SharePoint site
  • accessed/edited in the browser (default is Chrome)
  • have been made using Excel 365 desktop version and uploaded to SharePoint

I have one user who randomly cannot edit unlocked cells on a protected sheet, receiving the error message "This sheet is protected. Some parts may be view-only and can't be changed". The unlocked cells are surrounded by locked cells, and some of the unlocked cells are merged. The issue could appear when opening a file and then not be present when the file is opened again later. It is not specific to any particular file; it can happen to any file.

It's interesting to note that all other users with the same permissions can simultaneously work on these files without the issue, even while the user in question is experiencing the block/issue. Also, the user is able to edit cells with the same protection set up on other sheets, but could later be blocked on these same sheets when re-opening the file at another time. Recreating this issue is not consistent.

The cells locked/unlocked property has been set via 'Protection' tab in the 'Format Cells' dialog in Excel desktop. The sheet's protection has also been set in the desktop app.

I have tried:

  • Removing and re-instating specific cell protection via the user's device when they have this issue present
  • Un-merging protected cells and then re-enabling protection
  • Using other devices with the user's login/account (Apple Mac and iPad) and browsers (Edge, Safari)
  • Removing and re-adding the user to the required permissions group on the SharePoint site

Any ideas for why this particular user may be experiencing this issue?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-12-20T12:06:34+00:00

    Hi Everyone,

    We encountered same issue - files in use for a while, recently blocked editing unlocked cells on a protected worksheet, but only in online mode (browser and teams), everything worked fine in app.

    The solution I found is to open the file in browser, go to Review tab, then Manage Protection.

    In the pane that will pop up on the right-hand side, type in the worksheet password, then in the section Unlocked Ranges add the ranges that should be unprotected.

    Hope this helps!

    
Editing as I see now that DavePorter1 recommended a similar solution before

> 
> I have the same issue. Unprotected cells in Excel Office 365 are editable in the desktop version of Excel but not when shared via link online. Error to users indicate that sheet is protected even though the cell they are editing is unprotected. The only way to allow online users to edit the already unprotected cells is to view the file Online (can't use desktop version) and use the Manage Protection option when right-clicking the sheet name. Select the unprotected range and apply. Because of the number of files I share, this would be extremely time consuming.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-19T19:51:02+00:00

    I have the same issue. Unprotected cells in Excel Office 365 are editable in the desktop version of Excel but not when shared via link online. Error to users indicate that sheet is protected even though the cell they are editing is unprotected. The only way to allow online users to edit the already unprotected cells is to view the file Online (can't use desktop version) and use the Manage Protection option when right-clicking the sheet name. Select the unprotected range and apply. Because of the number of files I share, this would be extremely time consuming.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-19T14:23:58+00:00

    Same experience here. Some users, not all, are unable to make edits in the Excel web browser version but are able to make the edits when opened in the desktop app. Didn't help that it coincided with the rollout of a new process for some users. 😒

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-19T13:11:43+00:00

    I'm having the same issue. Different users and different spread sheets. They can edit unlocked cells in desktop app, but not online.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-12-18T15:28:38+00:00

    We are having the same issue. I would like to add that the affected file templates have been in use for almost two years and that this issue starting inconsistently appearing in December 2023. first user reports of this began on 12/11/23. Some users appear to be affect and not others.

    my desktop version: Microsoft® Excel® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2310 Build 16.0.16924.20054) 64-bit

    Online build: 16.0.17207.42303

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