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
    2023-12-18T08:51:49+00:00

    Thank you for providing detailed information about the issue. Based on the information provided, it seems that the issue is specific to the user's account.

    Is it possible to create a new user account and migrate all the information to new account?

    If you need to find what's wrong in that account, you may need to create a support ticket.

    Please contact your admin/IT department create a support ticket via Microsoft 365 Admin Center> Support> New service request. Support team there will have the correct channel and resources to help you investigate more and find what exactly the reason has caused this situation.

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  2. 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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  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-18T15:44:36+00:00

    Hello,

    My team is also encountering the exact same issue with the protected view feature when editing Excel entries in a web browser.

    We have a shared Excel file that allows multiple users to edit entries simultaneously, and it has been functioning well whether accessed through a web browser or the Excel application up until last week.

    Recently, our team has been facing difficulties in editing Excel entries when accessing the file through a web browser. Interestingly, they do not encounter this issue when making edits using the Excel application.

    I would appreciate assistance from the Microsoft Excel team in resolving this matter.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-18T15:46:41+00:00

    From your description, it could be bug related.

    You may need to create a support ticket to Microsoft.

    Please contact your admin/IT department create a support ticket via Microsoft 365 Admin Center> Support> New service request. That support team there will have the correct channel and resources to help you investigate more and find what exactly the reason has caused this situation.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-12-18T16:12:36+00:00

    Our experience is almost identical: files have been in use for a few months, the issue also started on the same date (December 11th) for the user mentioned above. However, another reported that they started experiencing the issue this afternoon.

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