Child Item

Unsupported file type

Have been using Dropbox on Windows PC and Android cell phone for many years for the same files. Recently attempted to access two Word documents from Dropbox on cell phone, which I have been accessing for many years. Received a message on cell phone, "unsupported file type". However, I have no trouble accessing these two files in Dropbox on PC. What's changed? How can I access? Will influence my decision to renew Dropbox!

Find more posts tagged with

View

Mobile

Error Messages

Android

OffTopic

AcceptAnswer

Accepted answers

Walter

Hey @Gsh1 & @jima999, could you check if this helps improve matters for you too?

All comments

Jay

Hi @Robert46, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

What is the exact file type you're trying to preview on your device? Is it a doc file or a docx file?

Is the error in the Dropbox mobile app, or the Word app (when opening via Dropbox)?

This will help me to assist further!

Robert46

The two documents are docx which I have always been able to open in the past. They are both password protected, but Dropbox has always accommodated that, allowing me to enter passwords to access. Not sure where the error lies, with Dropbox (assumed) or with Word. I have Microsoft Office on cell phone. The error message has a target with a dart off-center, and the message, "File type not supported. Couldn't download file. Please try opening in another app." Am looking for a workaround. If found, will discontinue use of Dropbox because it will no longer be of any use. Will revert to One Drive.

Nancy

Hey Robert, hope it’s OK if I jump in, too.

Do you mind sending over a screenshot of the exact error you receive, so that I can have a visual? In general, .docx files that are up to 160MB in size can be previewed on Dropbox, so I’d also like to take a look.

Besides that, are you having the same issue if you try to preview another .docx file that’s not password-protected?

Robert46

Thanks to all who tried to help. Will not be sending screenshot since I described it in detail in one post. Have traced this problem to Dropbox since I am able to open file in cell phone from one-drive. This proves that Word and phone are performing properly. Problem appears to be with Dropbox. Docx files which have no password protection open fine from Dropbox on phone, so problem is with password-protection, which always worked from Dropbox until recently. Will not be renewing Dropbox.

jima999

I am having the same problem with password protected MS Word docx files but not (interestingly) password protected Excel xlsx files. This situation is a recent development as password protected docx files were handled by Dropbox on my Android phone okay until lately. Definitely a bit of a pain!

BTW I am attaching a screenshot which might help.

Robert46

Yep! That's the same error message I received, graphics & all. As I mentioned, I have found a workaround by accessing the password-protected file through One Drive. Won't be using Dropbox anymore.

jima999

If they don't sort this out fairly quickly I might have to give up on Dropbox too!

Nancy

Thanks for the screenshot, @jima999, and I’m sorry to hear you’re having the same issue.

What’s the app version that your mobile app is running at the moment?

If you try to preview this file via www.dropbox.com, do you receive the exact same message?

Let me know, and we’ll check this further.

Gsh1

I have exactly the same problem as described. It started about a fortnight ago after using Android Dropbox successfully for years. My version is 306.2.2

jima999

First of all, the Android app version is 306.2.2 which only updated on my phone the 15th of this month.

Secondly, if I access one of the password protected docx files at www.dropbox.com I am at least asked to provide a password. Unfortunately when I enter the password, it then says it is incorrect (please see attached screenshot at the bottom). I have tried this more than once and am sure the password is correct.

In fact, if I download the same docx file from www.dropbox.com to my PC I am able to open in Word okay using the same password. Furthermore, if I download the same docx file on my phone I can subsequently open okay using the Word app and the same password.

Finally, if I try to open any password protected docx file from within my sync'd Dropbox folders on the PC I am able to open in Word by providing the appropriate password, as usual.

Screenshot 2022-11-18 19.18.32.png

Walter

Hey @Gsh1 & @jima999, could you check if this helps improve matters for you too?

Seajay58

Hi, I have just encountered exactly the same issue. I have been able to access password protected Word documents with no issue untill today. It was probably only a few days since I successfully accessed a protected document. Dropbox has always said it could not preview the doc but I could download and open it in word with no problems. Something has obviously changed with Dropbox. Please fix this.

Gsh1

Thanks @Walter... that works for me. Any likelihood it'll be patched in the next release?

Seajay58

Sorry @Walter. Don't know how I missed your suggestion. Yes that worked for me🙂