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Locate cell linked to external source
When I open my workbook, I get a message that it contains links to one or more external sources. It shouldn't. Recently had this and a couple of other worksheets open and may have inadvertently linked to one of them. Is there a way to find which cell(s) in my workbook have a link to an external source? Wouldn't want to try to go through all 6 worksheets in my workbook to find a cell with an external source.
Select File > Info.
Click on 'Edit Links to Files' under 'Related Documents'.
Hopefully you can select a link there, then click 'Break Link'.
External links can hide out in a few different places:
-Formulas (You can locate via find and replace)
-Data validation list sources
-Named items
-Macro buttons assigned to macros in external workbook
Typically, if you're not able to break a link then it's usually because the external link(s) are not in formulas.Note: it's also worth closing/re-opening the workbook if you believe you've gotten rid of the links, but 'Edit Links' is still lit up. Sometimes Excel won't update the presence of links until the workbook is re-opened.
Select File > Info.
Click on 'Edit Links to Files' under 'Related Documents'.
Hopefully you can select a link there, then click 'Break Link'.
HansVogelaar how to find the destination cells that are linking to the external source?
Press Ctrl+F to activate the Find dialog.
Enter [ in the 'Find what' box.
If you don't see the extra search options, click 'Options >>'.
Make sure that Workbook is selected in the Within drop down, and Formulas is selected in the 'Look in' drop down.
Also make sure that the 'Match entire cell contents' check box is clear (not ticked).
Click Next, or 'Find All'.
- Thank you. This led me to find the links and use a simple "Find and replace" to correct all the links.
The external links were to a worksheet in a back-up copy. Simply had to replace the name of that backup copy with a blank to change the link to the same worksheet in my workbook.
