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DOCX file copied from Dropbox flagged by Microsoft Word as originating from an untrusted source

I've copied to my local drive a DOCX file that I was working on in Dropbox, and when I tried continuing work offline on the copy I made on my drive, Microsoft Word told me that the DOCX file has macros disabled because the source of the file is untrusted.

Microsoft Word referred me to this help page: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/a-potentially-dangerous-macro-has-been-blocked-0952faa0-37e7-4316-b61d-5b5ed6024216#bkmk_unblock

However, the file Properties does not display any Security section in the General tab so that I can Unblock it.

I also don't know how to add my Dropbox to the Trusted Sites.

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Megan

Hi @DANI3L, let's jump right into this!

You mentioned that you copied the file to your local drive, from Dropbox. Do you mean you copied it from inside your local Dropbox folder on the device?

If you were indeed using the app, was this file available offline, or online-only in your Dropbox folder? As for the Properties, that don't display any Security section does this happen specifically with this file?

If you could send me a couple of screenshots, that'd be amazing.

Lastly, when you say that you want to add Dropbox to your trusted sites, do you mean you wish to whitelist the site? Let me know more as to what you wish to achieve here, in order for me to be able to guide you, and present you with the most appropriate steps.

Keep me posted!

DANI3L

Hi Megan,

Yes, I copied the file from inside my local Dropbox folder to my local drive.

Here's a screenshot.

Despite disabling Protected View and enabling all macros, I'm still warned about a security risk.

It's surely a Microsoft Windows/Office issue, because I did nothing than backing up this file to Dropbox, and then I copied it to my local drive to work on it, and was warned by M$ Office Word about the file being untrusted...

Hannah

Hey @DANI3L, sorry to jump in here.

If you quit the Dropbox app and then proceed to copy the file again with the Dropbox app closed, are you getting the same behavior?

DANI3L

This issue dissapeared after I installed today Windows update KB5025239.

So, as was evident, this was just one of those strange Windows issues.

Or did I have to restart Windows for the Microsoft Office Macro Settings and Protected View setting updates to kick in?

DANI3L

BTW, I noticed yesterday that I had this same issue with DOCX files downloaded from other legit online platforms, so it was not a Dropbox issue.

Jay

Hi @DANI3L, thanks for the update, this will help other users experiencing the same issue!

Fritz E

I keep all my MS Word files on Dropbox. MS is blocking macros for all my files. I "need" my macros! I tried making both the files and the folders "trusted" but that doesn't work. And I tried posting this issue as its own discussion, but that didn't work either ("Authentication Failed").

Jay

Hi @Fritz E, as this is a Microsoft product that is preventing the use of the macros, I'd recommend following the steps provided by the previous user.

If that doesn't work, try contacting Microsoft support for further assistance on this matter.