Quick Links: | Problem Previewing Level 1 or Level 2 Files in Box | Access via Box Web (Box Tools) | Access via File Explorer or Finder (Box Drive) | Support for Box Tools and Purview |
Problem Previewing Level 1 or Level 2 Files in Box
When a document is assigned a Level 1 or Level 2 Microsoft Purview sensitivity label, the document is protected. Box cannot show a preview of these protected documents, and Microsoft Online Apps in Box will not open them. Instead, you will see an error like: “This preview didn’t load. Please try to open or download the file to view.”
This behavior applies to all labeled Microsoft Office documents, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Before You Start
- If you want to open from the Box website, make sure Box Tools is installed.
- If you want to open from File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), make sure Box Drive is installed and signed in.
You can find installation instructions on our Knowledge Base: Installing Box Applications (Box Drive & Box Tools). You may need to restart your device after installing the apps.
Access via Box Web (Box Tools)
Use this when you’re on box.com and want to open the desktop app.
- Go to box.com and sign in with your Chico State account.
- Open the folder and select the Purview-Protected document.
- At the top left, click Open and choose the appropriate app: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or Microsoft PowerPoint.
- If prompted to install or enable Box Tools, complete the install and try again (you may need to restart your computer first).
- Edit in the desktop app and click Save. Your changes are saved back to Box.
On the Box menu, do not select Download or Microsoft Online.
Access via File Explorer or Finder (Box Drive)
Use this when you prefer working from your computer’s file management system, File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
- Install and sign in to Box Drive.
- Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), then open your Box folder.
- Browse to the labeled document and double-click it.
- The desktop app will open (Word, Excel, or PowerPoint). If prompted, sign in with your Chico State account.
- Edit and click Save. Box Drive syncs your changes automatically.
Support for Box Tools and Purview
- Why can’t I preview or use the Online versions?
- Level 1 and Level 2 labeled documents require the desktop Microsoft apps. Box cannot show a preview of these documents, and the Online apps in Box won’t open them.
- I don’t see “Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint” under Open.
- Install or repair Box Tools and restart your computer, then try again. You can find instructions on our Knowledge Base: Installing Box Applications.
- Where can I learn more about Microsoft Purview and Data Loss Prevention at Chico State?
- You can review our Knowledge Base for more information:
Still need help? Contact IT Support Services for further assistance.
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