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

49 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-02-04T13:41:59+00:00

    This issue appears to have been fixed. the users i could contract immediately say they are not having problems anymore.

    Not here! It just reared its ugly head. Can't have users open in desktop app since some do not have desktop app.

    It works if you first pause protection then re-enable it, but then if you close and reopen the sheet, it's still screwed up.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. 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
  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-20T16:15:49+00:00

    We have the same issue. We are forcing users to run 'Open in app' option to avoid this. Our workbooks are not protected, the worksheets are. All users are receiving the same error message when they run it on browser. If they run the workbooks on the application, no issues at all.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-20T12:51:59+00:00

    I have the same problem in our company. Is there any information when it'll be fixed?

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  5. 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.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments