How to Use Excel's Link Manager?

Excel has transitioned from the "Edit Links" popup function to a new "Workbook Links" sidebar function. While some users find value in both, others have noted that the "Workbook Links" feature may not always appear consistently on the Ribbon [1]. If you prefer using the "Edit Links" option, it can still be added back as a custom group on the Ribbon [1:1].

Managing Hyperlinks and Browsed Pages

When linking files in Excel, especially PDFs, users have experienced issues with the "browsed pages" list not displaying recently saved files unless they are opened immediately after saving [2:1]. A workaround is to save files using a different application, such as Chrome instead of Adobe Reader, which may resolve this issue [2:3].

Handling URL Links and Security Warnings

Some users encounter security warnings when clicking URL links within Excel, particularly if the default browser is set to Edge [3:3]. Switching to another browser like Chrome might alleviate these issues. Additionally, creating dynamic links that adjust based on user-specific file paths can help avoid blocked links [3:1].

Bulk Hyperlinking and Combining Cells

To bulk hyperlink by combining two cells, you can use the formula =HYPERLINK(A1 & B1) where A1 and B1 are the cells you want to combine into a single hyperlink [4:1]. This method allows for efficient creation of multiple hyperlinks by concatenating cell values.

Breaking Phantom Links

If you encounter phantom links in your workbook that cannot be broken, check several areas where links might reside, such as formulas, named ranges, conditional formatting, and chart ranges [5:2][5:4]. Using tools like Name Manager or third-party add-ons can help identify and remove hidden links [5:5][5:6]. Unzipping the Excel file and searching through its contents with a text editor like Notepad++ is another strategy for locating elusive links [5:2].

These insights should help you effectively manage links in Excel, whether you're dealing with workbook links, hyperlinks, or trying to break unwanted connections.

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POST SUMMARY • [1]

Summarize

"Workbook Links" versus "Edit Links"

Posted by IAmMeMeMe · in r/excel · 1 month ago

1 upvotes on reddit

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ORIGINAL POST

There are several posts about the new "Workbook Links" sidebar function that has replaced the "Edit Links" popup function on the Ribbon. I've seen that the "Edit Links" is still available and you just have to add it back in as a custom group on the Ribbon. I've seen that most folks hate the "Workbook Links" function.

I see value in both, and would like easy access to both.

Mine is acting odd. A year or so ago, very briefly, the "Workbook Links" showed on the Ribbon, but then it reverted.

Now, when I open a workbook, SOMETIMES Excel give me an alert across the top saying it was unable to refresh from a Linked Workbook, and if I click the Manage Workbook Links button that is in that alert, it takes me to the "Workbook Links" sidebar. But, the option in my Ribbon is "Edit Links". See photo.

This is the only time I can figure out how to get to "Workbook Links". If I dismiss that alert, or if I go to "Workbook Links" and then close it, I don't know how to get back to it. I've tried to search available functions in the Ribbon editor, and I can't find it.

So, I'm opposite of others - I know how to access "Edit Links". But, how can I get access to the "Workbook Links" function after I dismiss this alert?

https://preview.redd.it/krzdr6wqs2gf1.png?width=631&format=png&auto=webp&s=b1a907a116edd0abc908249232b72844fdd1672b

4 replies

jkpieterse · 1 month ago

I strongly suggest you to use Help, Feedback, Report a problem. They do listen to these.

1 upvotes on reddit

IAmMeMeMe · OP · 1 month ago

I guess I'm not completely sure there is a problem to report. I was looking for insights if others experienced the same thing, and if so, how they were able to access the "Workbook Links" sidebar on demand.

1 upvotes on reddit

jkpieterse · 1 month ago

Well, there is, Because you are supposed to see that "Workbook links" button on your ribbon, not the Edit links one. If you go to File, Account, About Excel button, what is the version string at the top (you can right-click it to copy)? Mine is Microsoft® Excel® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2506 Build 16.0.18925.20076) 64-bit

1 upvotes on reddit

AutoModerator · 1 month ago

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r/excel • [2]

Summarize

Browsed pages - hyperlink

Posted by Robboflyer · in r/excel · 13 days ago

Hi,

When I save a pdf, I then link that file in my excel spreadsheet.
I right click, go to link, existing file or web page, browsed pages.

It used to display files that I had saved, but now it's only files that have been opened.

The workaround currently is to save as again, right click on the file to open it, then continue with the linking.

I have just recently moved to a new Windows 11 PC, so not sure if it's because of that or a wider change.

I'm saving the files from the standard Adobe reader.

Is there a way to get back to having the saved files show up in the 'browsed pages' section of the hyperlink?

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AutoModerator · 13 days ago

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1 upvotes on reddit

Pinexl · 13 days ago

I don't think the browsed pages list auto-populates with every file you've recently saved.

Perhaps you had your your old PC immediately open PDFs upon save > they show up on that list.

And on a clean Win11 setup, unless you open the file after saving, I don't think Excel will add it to the browsed pages cache.

1 upvotes on reddit

Robboflyer · OP · 10 days ago

Definitely wasn't opening after saving...

But I've found a solution which is instead of using Adobe Reader, I'm just opening them in Chrome and saving from there. The location is in the browsed pages waiting for me.

2 upvotes on reddit

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r/excel • [3]

Summarize

URL Links in Excel - "blocked because this can harm your device"

Posted by AcriDice · in r/excel · 4 years ago

I've built a tool for work which is an export of a huge SharePoint resource library. I made it all pretty and included slicers so folks could easily find the thing they're looking for. Many of these resources are url links to other locations across our SharePoint portal (so not just docs housed in this library). That Excel file is embedded in a file viewer web part of a separate "file locator tool" page.

When I click those url links from the library itself, it works just fine. But from the Excel export and the file viewer, I get a download error in my browser saying "X.url was blocked because this type of file can harm your device." Now, I can just right click and keep - that opens up the doc at the link where it lives. But none of the users of this tool are going to know that.

Is there any way around this at all? My leadership is probably going to shut this whole thing down if it requires teaching users to ignore download warnings for it to function. Nor do I think that should be the answer.

Thank you!

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AutoModerator · 4 years ago

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1 upvotes on reddit

onesilentclap · 4 years ago

Can I know if your default browser is Edge by any chance? If it is, see if you have the same prompt after switching to Chrome (or any other browser of your preference).

1 upvotes on reddit

3n07s · 4 years ago

Should create links where each individual user adds their own unique path infront at an index and then that index should link all the filepaths not linking to a sharepoint webaddress but rather their own local PCs that are synced to the sharepoint.

I think that would work ?

My powerquery has issues where I index filepaths and it changes it to a web address. But, to make it dynamic, when a user opens their file, it will look up that user's unique pathing, and then when you run your powerquery -- It opens it directly from their sync'd desktop/laptop rather than from the web address.

Not sure if this solution would work for you to remove the errors?

2 upvotes on reddit

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r/excel • [4]

Summarize

Is anyone familiar with bulk hyperlinking and combining two cells?

Posted by JLR_Andy · in r/excel · 27 days ago

I'm trying to add a cell to the URL to then bulk hyperlink. Is anyone familiar with how to do this? Hopefully the snip below will help explain.

https://preview.redd.it/verpj7ibd7jf1.jpg?width=476&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a5f49c24ea73a6fe43a57aa189d4698dfc2e5710

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AutoModerator · 27 days ago

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1 upvotes on reddit

Commoner_25 · 27 days ago

=HYPERLINK(A1 & B1)

7 upvotes on reddit

JLR_Andy · OP · 27 days ago

AWESOME- thank you!

1 upvotes on reddit

frescani · 26 days ago

> Was your problem solved? > > > > OPs may (and should) reply to any solutions saying: > > Solution Verified > > > > This awards the user a ClippyPoint and changes the post flair to solved.

3 upvotes on reddit

RuktX · 26 days ago

+1 point

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reputatorbot · 26 days ago

You have awarded 1 point to Commoner_25.

^(I am a bot - please contact the mods with any questions)

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r/excel • [5]

Summarize

Excel 365 trying to link to file that does not exist, cannot break the link

Posted by catsbw · in r/excel · 5 years ago

I have created a workbook to hold a library of materials, costs, and other information. There are a few formula to perform calculations across selected fields.

The workbook is used by a number of users. I created it using a pc operasting Win10, however most users are using MAc (I have no idea if this could be an influence).

I inserted a macro to protect a specific sheet on closing, and there is also a basic pivot table in another tab.

There is a link to a phantom file that does not exist and I am unable to break the link as I can do for other links.

When the MAC users open the file they get the below messages:

We found a problem with some content in ’Materials DB_CURRENT.xlsm’. Do you want us to try to recover as much as we can? If you trust the source of this workbook, click Yes.

Click Yes

Excel was able to open the file by repairing or removing the unreadable content.

Details

The XML file repair result to file name cannot be opened because there is no available data to view (XLST).

Details: Unspecified error Location: Line 2, Column: 79

Click Ok

Then the workbook opens put with formatting changes including pivot table gone and some headings unsure exactly what data is lost. Line 2, Column 79 (CA) is empty, I've deleted a couple of times to make sure.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks

Carol

44 upvotes on reddit

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comparmentaliser · 5 years ago

Links can be in a few places, including formulas, names or conditional formatting.

Try searching in formulas for part of the file name by using the ‘formulas’ drip down in the search windows.

Look at any names that have been defined.

Go through the formulas for each conditional formatting rule.

Last resort for me usually to unzip the file (change the extension from .xslx to .zip) and then use notepad++ to search for the file name through the whole folder.

1 upvotes on reddit

intogamer · 5 years ago

There’s an add on if you search for google that will show hidden links and allow you to delete them. This happens to me on workbooks that have external add ons such as capiq and then they’re given to someone else.

7 upvotes on reddit

hagalaz70 · 5 years ago

This one worked for me

3 upvotes on reddit

babunka · 5 years ago

Thank you so much!

1 upvotes on reddit

Eightstream · 5 years ago

This is a bit of an annoying one and generally requires a bit of a detective mission.

In my experience Excel can't break links if:

they're on a protected sheet
they're in a data validation rule
they're part of a named range
they're part of a chart range

I would just start having a hunt in those areas and hopefully you'll find the culprit pretty quickly.

14 upvotes on reddit

UsrNme_Alrdy_Tkn_Agn · 5 years ago

First thing I usually do is check conditional formatting

14 upvotes on reddit

sizarieldor · 5 years ago

For named ranges, check "Formulas"->"Name manager"

1 upvotes on reddit

Stripex56 · 5 years ago

If there’s not any sensitive information on it, if you send me a link to it, I’d claw through it to try to find the cell link that it’s trying to calculate

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 5 years ago

If you go into Backstage View (File tab) you'll see a link towards the lower right where you can manage your links.

BTW, this also works if you are creating a static chart in Excel for use in another Office program like Word or PowerPoint and you don't want it to keep updating.

3 upvotes on reddit

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r/excel • [6]

Summarize

Best way to update links?

Posted by Dystopiate_addict · in r/excel · 1 year ago

Hi,

I have an Excel workbook which picks up the latest data from a bunch of other workbooks in a specific directory. Those workbooks will periodically get updated with new ones containing the latest data. I can't change this as an input.

What I'd like to do is have the Excel update the external links automatically at the push of a button.

I've seen this done with VBA before -- where a macro will scan the folder and pick up the new files, updating the link. From there the formulae will automatically pick up the relevant data using lookups or index matches on the latest date.

I don't really know VBA, but I do know python at a basic / intermediate level.

Is there a way to do this with python so that a non python user could later just hit the button and the workbook will refresh?

Or am I better off just learning the VBA I need to do this?

Thanks!

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itsTheOldman · 1 year ago

Remove all links and use power query to build a data set from all sources. Build report. Now when mew data is loaded you simple refresh your query and done.

Link in formulas will cause major headaches. Move to power query now and you’ll be a hero.

1 upvotes on reddit

Dystopiate_addict · OP · 1 year ago

But will power query know to pick up the data if a new file replaces an old one?

1 upvotes on reddit

itsTheOldman · 1 year ago

Yes. Do a google on power query. Youtube ExcellIsFun channel is solid.

Ill give a quick example. I have a report driven by thousands of individual text files. All the text files represent a month of data. New files are loaded at end of each month. I use pq to connect to the folder where all the individual text files are stored… once new text files are loaded to the folder i simply refresh the pq and the entire report is update.

2 upvotes on reddit

david_horton1 · 1 year ago

Excel 365 now has an Automate Ribbon with several sample scripts included. Learn to use Office Scripts as you then will be able to perform the scripts with Excel for the Web. Power Automate is available through Microsoft Store.

2 upvotes on reddit

Dystopiate_addict · OP · 1 year ago

Oh I'll check it out, though my work computer is annoyingly backwards and limited in terms of new things like that

2 upvotes on reddit

david_horton1 · 1 year ago

I asked Copilot this: python code to automatically update excel spreadsheet links. It came up with what looks like simple code. Are you using Excel 365? I assume you mentioned Python because it is now in Excel 365.

1 upvotes on reddit

Cb6cl26wbgeIC62FlJr · 1 year ago

I’m on my phone now, but, there should be a way to refresh the data every x amount of minutes, or upon opening the workbook.

2 upvotes on reddit

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r/SAPAnalyticsCloud • [7]

Summarize

Text Hyperlink to Excel file connectivity

Posted by Eladtayar · in r/SAPAnalyticsCloud · 5 months ago

Hi everyone,

How can I link an Excel file in my system files to a hyperlink on a landing page I created so that clicking the link opens the file?

I've attached an image showing the hyperlink options available to me for Text within the system.
Could someone tell me which of these options is the relevant one for this task?

Thanks in advance !

https://preview.redd.it/5cfhilduy5te1.png?width=466&format=png&auto=webp&s=682d7463b70b9484207bfe9c50a4e48d599c1fad

2 upvotes on reddit

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tjen · 5 months ago

External URL, then paste in the link to your file.

1 upvotes on reddit

Eladtayar · OP · 5 months ago

Thank you!

1 upvotes on reddit

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r/excel • [8]

Summarize

How do I make Excel links work inside a folder?

Posted by DiscoDeeDee · in r/excel · 4 years ago

Hi, I want to preface this by sayin' that I'm not the most tech savy person out there so please be gentle. I'm not even sure this is the right subreddit for this kind of problem

I've got this problem that is buggin' me for a while. How to put this, I've got this folder that I have to present to a client. Inside the folder there are a some excel files in which there's a list of utilities with their description and the related photos for each one.

Now, each photo is accessible through a link inside the excel file in the corresponding line of the utility you're looking for. The link directs the user towards a photo inside a subsidiary folder inside the main folder.

The folder goes like this:

-Main Folder

\-links' folder

    \-photo for utility 0

    ...

    \-photo for utility n

\-excel file

My problem is that the path of the link is bound to my computer and if I try to send it to someone else it obviously wouldn't work.

How do I circumvent this?

I already tried creating a sort of "database" for the photos on cloud, but it doesn't sit well with my boss,

because once given to the client the folder mustn't be accessed by someone else.

Is there a way to, I don't know, cut the path of the link and making it work inside this folder independently?

I haven't found anything helpful on the internet, but then again maybe I just didn't get it.

Thanks.

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1 upvotes on reddit

Sagarmatra · 4 years ago

Afaik, it should work if you just insert a hyperlink to linksfolder\photo_for_utility_0.jpg

1 upvotes on reddit

ID001452 · 4 years ago

Try changing Links to use FILE://C:photonames

Then have the client save the Excel file and photos to the same folder on the C: drive

Hope that works for you.

1 upvotes on reddit

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r/excel • [9]

Summarize

Hyperlinks not opening specific files or folders

Posted by janus270 · in r/excel · 2 years ago

For work, I have created a tracker for my outgoing calls. I intend to use this to be able to quickly pull up information for a particular client file, so that when I get a call back regarding a specific client I'm not searching through a ton of different folders. I had intended to include a link in the spreadsheet that directs right to the Word document that I'm looking for, or the folder with all of the client information there. All of the client information is located on a protected network drive (I need to sign into a VPN for it to work) and I can open these files individually without issue.

I have double and triple checked that the link address is correct, but I keep getting the "Cannot Open the Specified File" error message when I link to either the Word doc or the folder. I've deleted and re-entered all of the hyperlinks, I've checked the 'Re-Check Links on Save' or similar, nothing seems to have worked. I can hyperlink to other files and folders, even other locations on the same networked drive where I'm trying to link to these files. I even moved the spreadsheet to the same folder that I'm trying to link to, and while I can link to files in that same folder, such as another Word doc or spreadsheet, I can't link to folders or files contained in those folders. I've used hyperlinks in other trackers before, but I don't understand why this one isn't working.

Thanks for the assistance.

1 upvotes on reddit

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janus270 · OP · 2 years ago

After a bit of troubleshooting with IT, we discovered that the links were broken due to a special character in the file names. Excel is okay hyperlinking to locations that have spaces and dashes, but there was a # sign in one of my file names. As soon as I removed the # , everything worked as it should.

1 upvotes on reddit

Quiet_Ear6553 · 1 year ago

Replace(Replace(path, "#", "%23"), " ", "%20") ' NB issue with # in paths
I've had to use this code in my VBA to work around the issue. The # breaks the encoding process so the spaces after it are not converted.

1 upvotes on reddit

Ryan_Liu_0528 · 7 months ago

Hey, I know this is an old post, but can you elaborate on how to use the code? I have very basic understanding of the VBA and cant seem to get your code to work on my files. Thanks!

1 upvotes on reddit

Fun_Bicycle7903 · 1 year ago

THIS SAVED MY ASS TODAY !!!! the # was causing it to not open in excell, I LOVE YOU

1 upvotes on reddit

Thick-Definition2680 · 10 months ago

OH MY GOD... THANK YOU SO MUCH... My brain couldn't comprehend.. I even printed out the damn pdf, scanned it, and resaved it and still couldn't figure it out bc I named it the same thing. I was LOSING MY MIND.

1 upvotes on reddit

canucklehead200 · 1 year ago

Thanks, this helped me!

1 upvotes on reddit

TheOriginalAgasty · 2 years ago

Interesting to know.

1 upvotes on reddit

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1 upvotes on reddit

TheOriginalAgasty · 2 years ago

There are a few things you can try to troubleshoot this issue:

Check the permissions of the files and folders you are trying to link to. Make sure you have the appropriate permissions to access them.
Check the link itself. Make sure it is typed correctly and points to the correct location. You can try copying and pasting the link into a web browser to see if it opens correctly.
Check the security settings of the spreadsheet. Some security settings may block hyperlinks from opening.
Try opening the files and folders you are trying to link to without using the hyperlink. This will help you determine if the issue is with the hyperlink or with the files themselves.
Make sure you are connected to the VPN when you are trying to open the hyperlink. If the network drive is protected, you may need to be connected to the VPN to access it.

I hope these suggestions help you resolve the issue. If you are still having trouble, it may be helpful to check with your IT department for further assistance.

1 upvotes on reddit

janus270 · OP · 2 years ago

Thanks for the thorough response. Unfortunately, all of these things were in working order, but it still wasn't working properly. I posted the solution that my organizations IT tech and I came to.

1 upvotes on reddit

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