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We’re sorry, you don’t have permission to preview this file

  • May 23, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 54 views
C
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This is the message I am getting when I try to view a video sent to me by someone through their business account. So I can't play the video. I only have an individual account. He has checked the permissions, and has checked with his IT people - they are certain it is being sent properly, with the appropriate permissions for me to view. But I still get that message. They have sent me other files, which I can view fine. 

Our best guess is that the video that they want me to view is too big - it is 14gb, and my free account limits to 10gb. Is that the likely problem? Is there a way to test this? I don't want to upgrade and then have it not work. Or, is there an easy way to compress the file? Or, am I getting this message for a different reason?

    3 replies

    C
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    Hi Stephen, 

    Welcome to the Box Community, I'm happy to help!

    I understand that you are having issue when previewing a video shared by someone who is part of a Business Box account. 

    I see that you own a Personal Free Box and upon checking, video preview is available only to Business level Box accounts, and above. Free or personal users can preview video files owned by these accounts, so you should still be able to preview the video file with the correct permission.

    May I know what is your permission as a collaborator in that file? Can you also check with the owner if 'watermark' is enabled on the file shared to you or its folder location? For context: Box Notes, video, audio, flash, .msi, .exe, .zip and 3D files do not currently support watermarking. Turning this feature on will prevent Previewer Uploaders, Viewers and Previewers from viewing these file types. The owner would have to disable that watermark in order for you to preview the file or change your permission.

    Hope this helps! Let me know if you have other questions and I will help you!

    All the Best, 

    C
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    Thanks - that may be the issue. I will check with the person sending it to me. Can I clarify two things:

    1. For video files, is previewing the same as viewing? I just need to be able to view the video, however possible. If it matters, it is an mp4 file.

    2. Is the fact that my Personal Free Box is limited to 10gb an issue? The video file is 14gb - do I need to upgrade in order to view a 14gb mp4 video file?

    Thanks,

    Steve

    C
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    Hi Stephen, 

    You're welcome!

    To answer your questions:

    1. This is correct. With Box Preview, you can view your files in any Box application such as the webapp (Box.com) without downloading them to your device. 

    2. Video preview is indeed available only to Business level Box accounts, and above but if you have been invited as a collaborator on the content, you will inherit this feature (only on the content you been granted access to) even if you have a Free or personal account.

    I hope I was able to answer your questions!

    Thanks again for reaching out and let us know how else we can help!

    Regards,

     

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