Read only docs can now only be opened in View only mode. Problem to merge

Hi Chris, I'm Daniel and I'd be happy to help you out with your question. When docs file open as read-only, in some cases, this is for added security, such as when you are opening files from the internet, and other times, it can be due to a setting that can be changed. You can change some steps to change it. Firstly, check if file properties set to read-only You can check the file properties by right-clicking on the file and choosing Properties. If the Read-only attribute is checked, you can uncheck it and click OK. Also, Some antivirus programs may protect you from potentially unsafe files by opening them read-only. You may need to check with your antivirus provider to learn how to adjust these settings. Here's a link that provides more information about this. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/why-did-my-file-open-read-only-3ab4b792-da50-4b38-8628-14c64e1f1d15 I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I'll be glad to assist you further. Best Regards, Daniel

Read only docs open (from today) in read only / view only. We merge Word docs with Excell spreadsheets, so this cannot be done without removing the Read Only atrribute from the Word doc first.

Whether you're using the system read-only attribute or Word's built-in read-only recommended property has no effect on the ability of a mailmerge main document to work. In any event, neither of these prevent unwanted editing once the document has been opened - only that those edits can't be saved over the original document.

If you're using documents in the docx format, you can also apply the 'No changes (Read only)' editing restrictions to everything except the mergefields.

Thank you Daniel.

The problem arose yesterday.

Up to Friday it was ops normal.

We keep the +r on, do the merge and save then with a new name and folder.

Seems MS did some "upgrade" that forces the "View only" opening of a file with +r , and we cannot merge.

So we have to open the merge files now wit -r, do the merge and be super careful not to hit CTRL - S, before Save as.

Regards,

Chris

Thank you Macropod

The problem arose yesterday.

Up to Friday it was ops normal.

We keep the +r on, do the merge and save then with a new name and folder.

Seems MS did some "upgrade" that forces the "View only" opening of a file with +r , and we cannot merge.

So we have to open the merge files now wiht -r, do the merge and be super careful not to hit CTRL - S, before Save as.

I discussed this with my local IT guy who had no problem with editing an opened +r doc (obviously can't save it without changing the name).

He then did an MS update and experienced the sam problem as me.

If I now open a +r docx, it gives me a "view only" doc, with all editing (including merging) greyed out.

Regards,

Chris

What version and build of Office are you using?

Here with a 64-bit installation of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, Version 2208 (Build 15601.20088 Click-to-Run) Current Channel a document that has the R attribute

opens in a fully functional manner

Hi Doug - thanks for the reply.

I am running Ofiice 365 Office apps for bussiness.

If I open a word docx with +r - my screen looks like this - with all editing and merge functions greyed out.

I do not know what changed ?

Regards,

Chris

What do you mean by "+r"

Old DOS convention.

Read only attribute on +r

Read only attribute off -r

attrib command

Hi Chris, Thanks for the reply. You said the noticeable event that led up to this is the windows update If word was working fine prior to the windows update. I suggest you perform a system restore System restore -- this is a process that takes the system back to to specific date. Restoring won’t affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made. To go back to a restore point: Select the Start button, then type control panel in the search box next to the Start button on the taskbar and select Control Panel (Desktop app) from the results. Search Control Panel for Recovery, and select Recovery > Open System Restore > Next. Choose the restore point related to the problematic app, driver, or update, and then select Next > Finish. Alternatively, you can also repair the office program. See if either one fixes the issue. Thanks I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I'll be glad to assist you further. Best Regards, Daniel