EdSinger - MS WORD problem

[EdSinger]

When I try to open some of my documents in MS Word for Mac, I get a display saying that the author of the document (ME) wants me
To open the document in READ-ONLY mode, even though I am the author. Anyone know how to stop this ? I did nothing consciously
To allow this to happen.

 

[MacsBug]

This usually happens if the doc was saved in an old version of word and saved as a .doc file.

To fix this you need to open the file, then save it as a .docx file.

 

[EdSinger]

Hello again MacsBug - thanks for coming to the rescue again! Firstly, the files that do this are already in docx format, BUT one or two of them were made by including some old DOC files into a docx master file. I have tested your suggestion by opening a misbehaving docx file, making a small amendment to text and then closing it choosing Word 2004 - 2011 format. It is duly saved as doc file. On opening it in its new format, it still asks if I want to open as read-only. Next I opened it as a doc, made a small change, then closed it again choosing docx format. I then had two files - a doc and a docx. If I open either one I have the same problem. This not a crucial problem but it is very inconvenient. I have Nisus - little used but a brilliant word processor.

 

[EdSinger]

Continued : sorry for interruption// -- perhaps this could be used to clear whatever it is the problem. It can read all kinds of Word versions.

 

[MacsBug]

This sounds like a permission issue. This usually only happens if the files were moved to a new computer.

If you right click on one of the word files and select Get Info. In the permissions section Are you listed with Read & Write, or Read Only.

If your listed as read only, I can send you a script that I wrote to change this easily rather than doing 1 file at a time.

 

[EdSinger]

On both versions of the tested file (doc and docx) I am listed with read and write permissions. "staff" and "others" are read-only.

 

[EdSinger]

On both versions of the tested file (doc and docx) I am listed with read and write permissions. "staff" and "others" are read-only.

 

[MacsBug]

Where it shows that you have Read & Write is there a (Me) next to your name?

If there is, you may want to reinstall Office.

 

[EdSinger]

Yes, there certainly is (Me) next to my name

 

[MacsBug]

I would recommend reinstalling Office. Perhaps a library file got set with the wrong permissions.

 

[MacsBug]

Hi Ed,

I just came accross this article... https://www.macobserver.com/tips/how-to/how-to-fix-your-account-doesnt-allow-editing-on-a-mac/

It may help resolve your issue.

 

[EdSinger]

Hi Macsbug - thanks for staying with my problem.

The Problem does not seem to be one of permissions because the message given reads as follows:

" The author would like you to open this as read-only, unless you need to make changes. Open as read-only?"

I answer NO and all works as normal. If answer is Yes, it does as it warns and nothing can be changed. It seems to suggest that
there is an option somewhere to allow the author of a document to stop anyone changing his work, even if they have the
Necessary permissions. I guess that there must be a switch somewhere in the document metadata that is checked when the
Document is loaded, but is there a way to undo that switch?