Word attachments open as a PDF

[StephenB427]

Hello... When I open a Word (docx) email attachment from various senders in a particular organization the attachment is converted to a PDF and viewed in Adobe Acrobat (which opens as the default app for PDF files). I open the document by clicking on it as a listed attachment in the email program I use.

However, when I open a Word (docx) email attachment from a sender *outside* of that organization the attachment remains as a Word document and is quickly opened/viewed in Word for reading, editing, etc.

If I receive a Word (docx) email attachment from a sender in that organization but save the document to my desktop and then open it (by clicking on the document) the document will correctly open in Word.

My challenge is in finding/fixing why some Word (docx) email attachments open as they should in Word while others (only) from a particular organization do not although they will open in Word once they are saved. Thoughts? Thank you.

[#2]

HIi @StephenB427 .Yeah even I am facing the same issue.

Infact when a user shares a word file on sharepoint the same word file is opening fine for other users but for only one user the word file opens as pdf.I have checked the default apps.association all is fine.

[#3]

@Naymath 

Your description indicates that the document in question is displayed in Reading view rather than in Editing view. In that case, try switching views from the top of the page in Word Online.

If you download a copy of an online document from the SharePoint environment, are you then able to open it for editing in your locally installed version of Word? 

[#4]

@Stefan_Blom 

Hi,

I have tried but I do not see any option to open in editable word. The file is shared between team members , so that it should directly open in word to do the changes collaboratively.

Yes when I download on my PC , and open it opens in word. But If I make any changes It will be my local separate copy of that document. And it beats the purpose of collaborative work.

[#5]

@Naymath 

If the Editing view is enabled, you should see a button to activate Reading view on the View tab:

Conversely, if the Reading view is active, the document displays with a minimum of commands available:

. 

[#6]

@Naymath 

Are all users editing in Word Online, or are users in general using the full version of Word (without downloading the document first, I mean)?

[#7]

It is mix actually.Few users use word online and few use deskop app.of word.

[#8]

How to enable the editing view as default for all MS Documents.I do not see any option on online version of word , excel or ppt.

[#9]

@Stefan_Blom 

Me and my team members should be able to open any MS file (word,excel or ppt) shared on Sharepoint with editable access to open in the respective app.with editable access .As the team members simultaneously work on the file. Which is currently not happening and the files are opening as view/ready only and in pdf.

[#10]

@Naymath 

I believe that the SharePoint admin can specify whether Editing mode or Reading mode should be the default. Or are you saying that the issue with Reading mode is specific to one particular document? 

[#11]

@Stefan_Blom 

The issue is with one user as of now.All share point shared documents with editing access and all MS apps. attachments in outlook online are opening in view only mode. How to change it to the editable mode and make it open in the right app.(word,excel or ptt)

[#12]

@Naymath 

Thanks for the follow-up. 

Since the issue is specific to a user, maybe the SharePoint administrator in your organization can get in touch with Microsoft business support for further troubleshooting.