Forum Discussion
HYPERLINK function returns "Cannot open specified file"
I am trying to use the HYPERLINK function but to no avail. I have exhausted all the standard help available on this, but I cannot figure out what is wrong, Here is an example of the syntax I am trying to use to hyperlink to a cell on the same tab of a spreadsheet: =HYPERLINK($U$14,"Table 20-09"). When I use the Insert Hyperlink functionality, it works fine. However, I have to use the HYPERLINK() function because it needs to work dynamically (with a passed cell reference). The sheet is not protected (at this point). Using Office 365. A solution to this problem will be greatly appreciated.
=HYPERLINK("#$A$3","Somewhere in the same worksheet")or
=HYPERLINK("#'ANOTHER SHEET'!$A$3","Somewhere in another worksheet")if you want a dynamic link in cell A3, put
#A5
then, the hyperlink function
=HYPERLINK($A$3, "Somewhere pointed by Cell A3")
24 Replies
@I All, I have created an interactive workbook however keeping getting an error as above (cannot open the specified file)
The hyperlink I have is: =HYPERLINK("["&Setup!$E$6&"]'Employee ("&E8+1&")'!E8","next employee ("&E8+1&") >>")
Essentially what should happen when I click on it is that it will go to the next empoloyee's data or a previous employees data.
Any help would be appreciated, thank you!
I encountered the same problem and I've noticed that when the sheet name contains the char '-' the function doesn't work properly (file cannot be opened).
This doens't work:
=HYPERLINK("#MR_FIN-0001_SDT_211124234354!B6","MR_FIN_0001_SDT_211124234354")
This version (using underscore between FIN and 0001), works as expected:
=HYPERLINK("#MR_FIN_0001_SDT_211124234354!B6","MR_FIN_0001_SDT_211124234354")
Best regards
Davide
I am trying to use Hyperlink function to access .jpg files in a folder on the computer. I am using Hyperlink because I need the dynamic function to provide the file name. If I just create the link, I get the "Cannot open . . " message. However if I go to a different cell and create a link to that file using the "Insert hyperlink" procedure, that link does access the file. AND if I go back to the cell which uses the Hyperlink function, it now works! The code generated by the Hyperlink function is character for character identical to that generated by the "Insert Hyperlink." For some reason Excel needs help finding the file the first time. Why the identical code can't find it, I can't figure out.
I have found that this error frequently occurs when I try to hyperlink to a file. Sometimes the containing folder is displayed in Explorer but the file does not open. This seems to be a problem with the file association mechanism and the opening strategy of the target program. In my case I was trying to open a .jpg file, which I normally associate to FastOne.exe. When I changed the association to Irfanview.exe, all worked OK. I realise that this isn't a complete workaround, but may help where, for example, the target program can be a generalised file reader.
Hi Jan Grobbelaar , I know this thread is a bit old, but I just spent some time working out how to make the Hyperlink formula fully dynamic -- so that Users can rename worksheets without breaking the links -- and thought you may be interested. This formula to access "#'Change Log'!$A$1" works as I expect:
=HYPERLINK(CHAR(35) & CHAR(39) & REPLACE(CELL("filename", 'Change Log'!$A$1), 1, FIND("]", CELL("filename", 'Change Log'!$A$1)), "") & CHAR(39) & CHAR(33) & "$A$1", "Go to Change Log")
I would be interested if anyone can simplify this and still retain the dynamic nature.
Cheers, Wayne
=HYPERLINK("#$A$3","Somewhere in the same worksheet")or
=HYPERLINK("#'ANOTHER SHEET'!$A$3","Somewhere in another worksheet")if you want a dynamic link in cell A3, put
#A5
then, the hyperlink function
=HYPERLINK($A$3, "Somewhere pointed by Cell A3")
Willy Lau I tried the formulas but can't seem to get it to work in Office 365.
What I am trying to do is create a hyperlink to a changing cell in the next screen.
=INDIRECT(CONCATENATE("'Lines Parts'!",ADDRESS(1,SUM(COUNTA('Lines Parts'!$A$1:$ZZ$1)))
Currently that formula returns the value of the cell that I am trying to hyperlink to. Each month, it will need to change to the new column of data, as we register it month over month.
When I tried to hyperlink it, it says "Cannot open the specified file".
- Thank you very much!
am getting this error msg when i am trying to do hyper link with in a work book
can you please help me out with your expertise
Hi Josephbennet
Hope you are well.
Give this one a go:
=HYPERLINK("#AT-3FE8D3X-048!D31")
Good luck
Damien
Hi Damien,
my hyperlinks dont go to the corresponding sheet. all get errors.
i have tried different hyperlink formulas. please see my screenshots.
for example, in my first screenshot, when i select the first (blue) link at the top of the screen, i get "an unexpected error has occurred.
i get the same response when i select the (black) link under it.
the thrid image show my spreadsheet in its whole.
can you see what is causing the errors?
thanks for your help.
Give this formula a try for linking within the same workbook:
=HYPERLINK("#TEMPLATE!C1","Go to TEMPLATE > C1")
In terms of using other cells to piece together a hyperlink (this example uses , copy and try:
=HYPERLINK("#"&"'" & B3 & "'!" & A1, "Go To Sheet")
See how you go?
Cheers
Damien
- Thank you for offering to help, but I got the problem resolved.
- Nice one guys! Willy, haven't seen you in a while. Good to see you around.
Have a great weekend all!
Cheers
Damien
