Bhubon Costa
Occasionally, when opening an Excel file, an alert message appears informing you that the file is read-only. When you see the message several times, you may find it irritating and want to delete it. In this tutorial, we will show you how to solve the problem of opening all Excel files as read-only.
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6 Handy Solutions to Solve All Excel Files Opening as Read Only Problem
The sample alert message when opening a read-only file is shown in the image below. We will provide six possible solutions to the problem in the sections below.
There could be a variety of causes for the issue. Some of the best possible reasons are:
- It’s possible that the Excel file is corrupted or damaged.
- Inclusion of add-ins that are incompatible.
- The Read-Only Attribute is set for the Excel File.
- The Microsoft Excel application hasn’t been updated in a long time.
- Due to a security issue, antivirus software refused to open the Excel file.
- A password is required to access the file.
- Editing documents from a previously used drive is not permitted.
- The Microsoft Office program could be damaged.
1. Use General Option to Remove Read-Only Recommended Status
If a user saves a file with the Read-only recommended attribute, the error message will appear every time you try to open it. As a result, we’ll have to turn off the read-only option.
⇒ Steps:
- When the alert message appears, click on the “No”
- Go to File tab.
- Click on Save As.
- Go to a preferred folder.
- Click on the Tools.
- Then, select General Options.
- Uncheck the Read-only recommended box.
- Finally, click OK.
- Save the Excel File.
- As a result, open the file from the folder again; this time, the file will open without displaying the message.
Read More: [Fixed!] This Excel Workbook Was Opened in Read-Only Mode
2. Disable Read Only from Excel File Properties
A file can be saved with a Read-only status using the General attribute. So, in the Properties section, we need to disable the Read-only attribute.
⇒ Steps:
- Firstly, right-click on the file.
- From the list, select the Properties option.
- From the General tab, unselect the Read-only attribute.
Read More: [Fixed!] Excel Files Opening as Read Only (13 Possible Solutions)
3. Deactivate Excel Protected View
When the protected view is enabled, it will open in a read-only protected view. It usually occurs when you download a file from an Internet source.
⇒ Steps:
- Go to Home.
- Click on More >> Options.
- From the Excel Options, select the Trust Center.
- Then, click on Trust Center Settings.
- From the left-side tabs, select the Protected View option.
- Then, unselect the box tagged with “Enable Protected View for files originating from the Internet.”
Read More: How to Make Excel Workbook Read Only with Password (With Easy Steps)
4. Update/Renew Microsoft Office
It’s possible that an outdated Excel application won’t be able to open the updated version of the file. As a result, you must determine whether an update is available or simply update to a newer version.
⇒ Steps:
- Firstly, click on Account.
- From the Update Options, select Update Now.
5. Repair Microsoft Excel
Repair Microsoft Excel to remove the error message, you may need to change, uninstall, or repair the current Office Suite.
⇒ Steps:
- Open Control Panel.
- From the Programs menu, click on the Uninstall a program button.
- Click on your Microsoft Office Suite.
- Then, click on the Change tab and click Yes to repair.
6. Check OneDrive Storage
If you don’t have enough space on your OneDrive, you might not be able to open a file in editing mode. You should check your drive’s available storage space on a regular basis.
⇒ Steps:
- Go to your Microsoft Account.
- Click on OneDrive to open the application.
- In the bottom left corner, you can see the used storage of your OneDrive application.
- Some other solutions for antivirus settings and permissions to access a file: By opening Excel and other Office documents in read-only mode, some antivirus programs prevent them from being opened. If this happens, try adjusting your antivirus settings to allow Excel files to open normally. A read-only or encrypted error message could be present in the document. If necessary, alter the antivirus settings.
- Leading to a shortage of edit permission, the error message may display if you browse a Spreadsheet from a network or shared device. Make sure the network drive you’re working with has read and write rights. You may also copy the file from the network drive and save it in your local directory to view and edit it without getting this issue.
Read More: [Fixed!] Excel Files Open as Read Only from Network (8 Quick Solutions)
Conclusion
I hope this article has given you a tutorial about how to solve the problem with all excel files opening as read-only. All of these procedures should be learned and applied to your dataset. Take a look at the practice workbook and put these skills to the test. We’re motivated to keep making tutorials like this because of your valuable support.
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