Link doesn't work

The error message shows Excel trying to open a file:/// link to a UNC path with URL-encoded spaces:

file:///\\G...\Year%20end%20pack%202024.xlsx%23API!A1

This is almost always a link parsing issue, not a missing file.

This strongly suggests a profile-specific Office/URL handler issue, not a global Excel or server problem.

Most Likely Cause

Excel 365 (newer builds like 2601) sometimes mishandles:

• URL-encoded file paths
• file:/// UNC format links
• FSLogix-mounted profile redirections

Especially when the hyperlink includes a cell reference (#API!A1).

Workarounds/Fix

Recreate the Hyperlink

From:

file:///\\Server\Share\Folder\Year%20end%20pack%202024.xlsx#API!A1

to:

\\Server\Share\Folder\Year end pack 2024.xlsx#API!A1

Or recreate using:

Right-click → Link → Existing File → browse to file

Do NOT paste a file:/// URL.

If this fixes it → your issue is URL encoding handling in that build.

If You Want a Permanent Technical Solution

If these are auto-generated links (SharePoint, scripts, etc.), modify them so they:

Don’t use:

file:///\\server\share\file.xlsx

Use:

\\server\share\file.xlsx

In the End, in AVD environments on 2601, the most consistent fix I've seen is:

Online Repair Office + disable Office file sync integration.

My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

Hope this will help you.

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