I am having issues testing emailing a link to a document to myself and trying to download or open the file while signed out of 365.  While signed in it works fine, but while signed out I am unable to download.  It keeps saying Access denied.  I have permissions set up for visitors AND viewers to "read" so they can open & download stuff. 

I have tried logging in with an old hotmail account AND a new one I just created, but it keeps giving the same access denied message.  I have verified and double checked permissions for viewers and visitors.  Am I doing something wrong here?  Thanks

-Jeremy

Hello Jeremy,

This is Justin with Microsoft Office 365 SharePoint Support.  Thanks for posting your question.

In order to view a file located on SharePoint, a user must authenticate credentials to access the information.  You can use a custom solution to grant anonymous access to the SharePoint library, however this will have obvious security implications as it would give anyone access to your personal data.  Also, take a look at the article below which will detail how to give access to external users if required.

Enterprise: http://www.office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint-online-enterprise-help/share-a-site-with-external-users-HA102476183.aspx

Small Business:  http://www.office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint-online-enterprise-help/share-a-site-with-external-users-HA102476183.aspx

Thanks and Regards,

Justin Ronan
Microsoft Office 365 SharePoint Support

Hi Justin,

I am still having issues with this.  I noticed you had posted the enterprise link twice, so i went ahead and typed in small-business in the link instead of enterprise and it got me to the right page (I'm using the small business version of 365.)

However...

The steps written in that link do not seem to be accurate.  I click on homepage and there is no option or anything to click on that says "manage site collections". (see step 2 in the how to guide) www.office.microsoft.com/.../share-a-site-with-external-users-HA102476183.aspx

also see attached pic: http://imgur.com/A7Wx4

there is no "manage site collections" on the homepage.

also there is no "manage site collections" on the admin homepage either: http://imgur.com/fGTls  (see that i have performed a search for that because i u cant see the entire page in just the screenshot).

Any help with be appreciated.

Thanks

-Jeremy

Hi again Jeremy,

I apologize for the mislink.  The instructions are a little different for Small Business as there is only one site collection for the account.  The link you have navigated to is also for Enterprise so this would not be applicable.  The correct link is listed below and basically just has you enable this in Site Settings.  Remember this only allows you to invite specific external users and does not give anonymous access.  Let us know your progress.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint-online-small-business-help/share-a-site-with-external-users-HA101850586.aspx#_Toc326758271

Thanks,

Justin Ronan
Microsoft Office 365 SharePoint Support