Microsoft Office files corrupt / blocked from opening / blank links | All products

  • Updated

Product: All
Applies to: Everyone
 

Issue

I'm trying to open a Microsoft Office file I downloaded from Intralinks, but one of the following occurs:

  • File is corrupt or corrupt file message.
  • Windows found that this file is potentially harmful. To help protect your computer, Windows has blocked access to this file.
  • The file opens, but cells that should contain hyperlinks are blank (i.e., content seems blocked from populating) until I click Enable Editing.

Cause

Microsoft Office's Protected View feature might be blocking the file from opening correctly because you downloaded it from the Internet (or even from a network drive).

  • Security measures: Files from the Internet or untrusted sources are opened in Protected View to prevent potential threats.
  • Read-Only mode: In this mode, links and macros are disabled, leading to inactive or blank links.
  • User confirmation: The Office application requires confirmation that you trust the file before enabling editing.

For more information on Protected View, see this Microsoft article.

Solution

Method 1 - Save the file in a trusted location (recommended)

  1. Open the appropriate application (Word; Excel; PowerPoint).
  2. Click File > Options.
  3. Click Trust Center.
  4. Click the Trust Center Settings button.
  5. In the window that opens, click Trusted Locations on the left.
  6. Click the Add new location… button. 
  7. Click Browse and select your desired folder.
  8. (Optional) Check the Subfolders of this location are also trusted box.
  9. Click OK to close each open window.
  10. Try opening the file again.

Note: This method presents a balance between security and convenience, allowing you to open files from secure sources without completing additional steps each time.

Method 2 - Unblock a single file in its Properties

  1. Right-click on the file you downloaded and choose Properties.
  2. In the window that opens, refer to the bottom of the General tab.
  3. You may see a Security note with an Unblock checkbox.
    • If the box is checked (enabled), uncheck it.
    • If the box is not checked or does not appear, the file is not blocked on this level.
  4. Click OK to close the window.
  5. Try opening the file again.

Method 3 - Unblock all files in the Trust Center Settings

  1. Open the appropriate application (Word; Excel; PowerPoint).
  2. Click File > Options.
  3. Click Trust Center.
  4. Click the Trust Center Settings button.
  5. In the window that opens, click Protected View on the left.
  6. Uncheck the Enable Protected View for files originating from the Internet box.
  7. Click OK in both windows and close the application.
  8. Try opening the file again.

Important: Disabling the setting in Method 3 can expose your system to risks. We recommend using Method 1 or 2 unless absolutely necessary.

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