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mtarler's avatar
mtarler
Silver Contributor
Apr 06, 2020
Solved

Hidden External Reference

So I think I'm pretty Excel savvy but this problem comes up every so often.  I have copied some info and/or sheets from another workbook and now this new workbook keeps saying it can't re-connect with the previous workbook.  I have searched the entire workbook (including formulas), the entire VBA space, the data model (empty), existing connections (empty) and can't find this link anywhere.  I do the Inspect Document for personal information and it also finds an external link, but I can't. 

Any tips or suggestions?

thank you.

excel

9 Replies

  • Twifoo's avatar
    Twifoo
    Silver Contributor
    Apr 06, 2020
    Try looking at the Name Manager (Ctrl+F3). There might be defined names that refer to an external workbook.
    • mtarler's avatar
      mtarler
      Silver Contributor
      Apr 06, 2020

      Twifoo  excellent suggestion, but unfortunately I already checked there also.  

      • mtarler's avatar
        mtarler
        Silver Contributor
        Apr 06, 2020

        now I've checked all the objects, graphs, and conditional formatting.  I've done additional 'find all' searches to no avail.  

        How can Excel be "smart" enough to tell me there is this missing link but not able to give me any hint as to where it is.

        BTW, at 1 point I was given the option to 'break the link' and did that but it still warns me. 

  • mathetes's avatar
    mathetes
    Gold Contributor
    Apr 06, 2020
    I've experienced the same phenomenon, fortunately only on one workbook...so I'm eagerly awaiting what others might offer as the reason, and even more, what the solution will be.