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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

49 answers

Sort by: Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2023-12-20T19:54:13+00:00

    Have the same problem, it only started in the last two days. It is crucial for us for this to be resolved. would you please advise what to do

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-20T20:09:59+00:00

    Yet another joining in on the same thing. Editing in the desktop version usually works, but always opens in read-only and half the time doesn't have the yellow bar to allow it to be edited. We have staff that aren't great with technology, so asking them to follow multiple steps, some of which need to be repeated just to function correctly, is unreasonable.

    The feature is built into Excel, and Microsoft wants to have it all usable in SharePoint but they aren't even acknowledging this is a problem is absurd. It's not even listed as a bug or as an issue, so I wonder if anyone is even doing anything about this.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-20T20:28:41+00:00

    We are facing the same issue with unlocked cells being un editable when any portion of the worksheet has protections in the web version of excel.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-20T21:23:14+00:00

    We are having the same issue since Monday. Random users, randomly getting the error message. Over multiple files. Sadly one of the files is shared for coordination with a subconsultant and they were getting the error yesterday.

    Could it be a loss of login issue with Microsoft? - in Teams Files listing, the Modified by column is showing our company-mysharepoint.com/User.... as the last person to modify.

    We have used the Teams platform with similarly protected workbooks with one sheet protected that contains locked and unlocked cells and formatting since 2017 and never had this issue before.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  5. Anonymous
    2023-12-20T23:32:03+00:00

    we opened a ticket with MS about this, and received a call back that the fix was to unprotect all of our workbooks, and that this is expected behavior. How insulting and infuriating.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments