Problem

Your macOS computer displays the error, "Your account doesn't allow editing on a Mac", while using Microsoft Office.

Environment

The article applies to any macOS computer using Microsoft Office.

Resolution

1. Open each Office app installed on your Mac, click on the application name (e.g., Word) menu, and choose Sign Out. Then quit the application
2. In the Finder, click on the Go menu and choose Go to Folder
3. In the box, type ~/Library
4. Click on the Group Containers folder
5. Locate the following three files/folders and drag them to the Trash:
   • UBF8T346G9.ms
   • UBF8T346G9.Office
   • UBF8T346G9.OfficeOsfWebHost
6. Empty the Trash
7. Open an Office application and sign in again to check if you can now edit documents

Cause

Microsoft has identified three files that may cause a problem and recommends removing them. 

Contact Us

If you would like further assistance, please contact us at helpline@gustavus.edu or call us at 507-933-6111.