Word Docs only Open as Read-Only when accessed via Desktop App

[SMAaron]

We  have a student who is unable to edit her Microsoft Word document (.docx) from Canvas in the desktop app as it opens as Read-Only.  Read-only, of course, does not Auto-Save, thereby creating the need for an additional Save As and Re-upload.  Any thoughts as to why this is occurring?

[kmeeusen]

Hi @SMAaron 

Are you saying that your student is attempting to edit a Word Doc after it has been uploaded to Canvas as an assignment submission? If so, that is expected behavior. Once a student submits a doc, most teachers would not want it modifiable by the students. However, the student could edit the doc in the form they maintain on their own PC, then re-submit it.

If this is not what you are asking, please clarify, and I will try again.

Kelley

[SMAaron]

Hi @kmeeusen!  Thank you for your response.  No, the assignment had not been previously submitted.  The student was attempting to work on it for the first time.

[kmeeusen]

Was he attempting to work on it using Microsoft Word?

I guess I am not understanding your question. If the student was working on a Word document in Microsoft Word, then once the document is complete, he would go to the Canvas Assignment and upload the completed document from there. How do I submit on online assignment?

If he is unable to complete it in Word, then this is a Microsoft issue and we cannot help.

If the issue is uploading to Canvas, and the student is following the steps in the guide I just provided, then I can only suggest submitting a support ticket. Members of this community have no way to troubleshoot this for the student.

Kelley

[SMAaron]

Sorry, my question may have been a bit ambiguous😜  The student has been attempting to access a Word document assignment in Canvas.  When she clicks the assignment link, it opens the typical preview in Canvas, but when she clicks the "Open in Desktop App" to actually edit/work on it, the document only opens in Read Only view, which doesn't allow for editing.  Any help/suggestions will be appreciated.

[amclamor]

I know I am very late to the party, but this website may be of help (it has PC *and* Mac guidance): https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-the-%27Read-Only%27-Status-on-MS-Word-Documents

[TrishaMeyer1]

Hi @SMAaron ,

Does the student have Microsoft Word installed on her device? Is it a current version? Is it possible she has a feature enabled (or a virus scan program) that causes files to open in Read-Only view to protect against viruses?