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
    2023-12-19T17:16:08+00:00

    I know, again my co-workers aren't the best at technology. They do not understand how to do it. It's a report we have to enter into hourly.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-19T17:17:35+00:00

    Open Excel in desktop application.

    Unfortunately, using the desktop app is not an option for our users.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-19T18:46:37+00:00

    Samantha -

    You could use the Office URI Schema when concatenating your link to send to your users...

    URI method link that automatically opens in the desktop app

    ms-excel:ofe|u|https://tenant.sharepoint.com/sites/sitename/Shared%20Documents/*.xlsx

    Open links to Office files in native app rather than browser- SharePoint Online - Microsoft Q&A

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  4. 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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    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2023-12-19T19:55:05+00:00

    Samantha, see my post below for workaround. Might get you by if you only have a few files this affects.

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