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Unable to save new Excel files (Excel 2021), Windows 11

This occurred once before, but then corrected. However, today, I am unable to save newly created Excel 2021 files to Dropbox. I think they are saved, but when I go back to the folder, they are not there.

My workaround is to save to my Desktop and upload the file to Dropbox. I can then open the local copy, edit the file, and save changes with no problems.

I did once receive an error message that said either my path was incorrect, or maybe my file was read-only (it wasn't) or the name had bad characters (it didn't).

These aren't big files, just one or two tab small Excel files.

I have quit Dropbox, rebooted and reopened Dropbox, but the problem persists.

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Jay

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

Could you attach a screenshot showing the exact error message you receive?

Are you manually saving the files in the Dropbox folder via the app, or are you moving the files into the Dropbox folder?

This will help me to assist further!

NermineS

I am manually trying to save the new Excel file. (i.e., Save As)

I do not have a screenshot. The next time it happens I will try to capture it. I attempted to recreate it today, and the new file saved without any problem.

Jay

Thanks for the info, please let me know when you experience this behavior again.

NermineS

It just happened again. Here is the screenshot of the message. In the past, the message appeared intermittently. Sometimes the file failed to save and I would get no message. Other times I got the message. Screenshot 2023-03-06 141937.png

Walter

Hey @NermineS, sorry to jump in here, but could you run a little test for me?

Can you try pausing syncing (or quitting the Dropbox desktop app whatsoever) and let us know if you still get the same error?

NermineS

Walter,

I quit Dropbox and successfully saved a new Excel file. No error messages. When I restarted Dropbox, the file uploaded.

I haven't had the "save as" issue with any other file type. Word documents, PDFs, etc. Only Excel.

Walter

And does it affect a specific file of yours or all of your Excel files @NermineS?

Did you try pausing syncing when doing this as I previously suggested by the way?

NermineS

I did. I quit Dropbox and the new file successfully saved. When I restarted Dropbox it uploaded and synced correctly.

Nancy

Hi @NermineS! Hope you don’t mind if I jump in, too.

It may sound trivial, but are all these Excel files you’re unable to access properly saved within the same folder on your Dropbox account? Is there any chance that the filepath contains more than 218 characters, as also suggested by the error you uploaded previously?

Can you please try to create and save your Excel files within the root Dropbox folder, and let me know if the same error occurs once more?

NermineS

Hi Nancy, they are properly saved. I have tried saving (the Excel) files through every known path - including the root Dropbox folder. When I quit Dropbox, the file saves properly. When Dropbox is on and syncing, the Excel file will not save. Again, I do not have the problem with any other file type. Only Excel (2021).

NermineS

It only happens with new Excel files. My "Save As" file names aren't long and don't contain problem characters.

If I open an existing Excel file within Dropbox, edit it and save it, the changes are successfully saved.

Yes, I have paused syncing as suggested. I have quit Dropbox. The new Excel files will correctly save.

NermineS

Let me also again add: It only happens with new Excel files. I have no problem with Word or PDF files.

Jay

Do you have autosave enabled on Excel, or are you saving files manually?

NermineS

Saving manually. Although Auto Recover is enabled.

Hannah

Thanks for all the info here, @NermineS.

Can we send you an email, so we can investigate this further?

NermineS

Yes, please.

Again, it happens when Dropbox is active. If I quit Dropbox or Quit Syncing, it doesn't occur.

Hannah

Thanks, @NermineS, I just sent you an email, so we can continue investigating there.

gtai1969

Could you please tell me th esolution to this problem, as I am facing exactly the same issue on a win 11 machine. I have no problem using the "Save as" option from my win 10 machines.

Nancy

Sorry to hear the same thing’s happening to you, @gtai1969.

Can you send me a screenshot of what you see exactly, when hitting on the “Save as” option?

Are you getting any error messages, or is the issue that your updates aren’t being saved, even if you click on the button?

What’s the syncing status, and app version of your Dropbox app?

Let me know.