Errors Opening Office Documents in Microsoft Edge with the "Open Office files in the Browser" Option Enabled




 
Errors Opening Office Documents in Microsoft Edge with the "Open Office files in the Browser" Option Enabled

Date Published: Mar 22,2022 Category: Product:Content_Management_Learn,Browsers_Learn; Version:SaaS   Article No.: 000076046

Product: Blackboard Learn

Release: SaaS

Service Pack(s): SaaS

Description: The latest versions of Microsoft Edge offer the ability to open office files in the browser using Microsoft's office.com, when this option is enabled Office documents opened from Blackboard Learn SaaS cause an error. 

Steps to Replicate: Prerequisites: This issue is only applicable to SaaS hosting. Ensure Edge is updated to the latest version, the issue can be reproduced in Edge 95.0.1020.

  1. Log into Blackboard Learn as an Instructor or Administrator using Microsoft Edge
  2. Go to Edge Settings > Downloads and ensure "Open Office files in the Browser" is selected
  3. Open an Original Experience Course
  4. Select Build Content >  Item
  5. Create the item, select Attach a file and Upload a Word Document (".docx") or other office document like PowerPoint or Excel
  6. Save and Submit the Item
  7. Select the Link to the file

Observed Behavior
Either an HTTP 404 error appears, or the Word online application opens but displays the message "Sorry, there was a problem and we can't open this document. If this happens again, try opening the Document in Microsoft Word."

Expected Behavior
The File is transferred to Microsoft Office online and displayed in the Browser.
 

 
Symptoms: Either an HTTP 404 error appears, or the Word online application opens but displays the message "Sorry, there was a problem and we can't open this document. If this happens again, try opening the Document in Microsoft Word"
Example of the 404 Error
Example of the Word online error
Cause: When files are downloaded in SaaS, a temporary S3 URL is generated. Edge hands off this URL to the Office.com web application. However the web application does not correctly handle it.
Resolution/Workaround:
  1. Open Edge settings
  2. Select Downloads
  3. set Open Office files in the Browser to Off
Screen shot showing the Edge settings
Information: This issue is not specific to any version of Learn.
This issue can be reproduced without installing the "Office Online" Edge extension from the Extensions store.

Also, see Article #76390 for another MS Office document and Edge issue. 
Target Release: Fixed in Edge Browser with version 98.0.1108.50 or newer