Linked Cells between sheets not crossing over properly

[jkamelia55]

I have two workbooks with linked cells that have been saved numerous times for over a year without problem. Today I open up my one sheet and there are a lot of #NAME? errors for some of those linked cells. The formulas for those particular cells all look similar to the one below. Where the word "Rent" is there should be a cell number so that the value of that cell shows up. The only way it's allowing me to edit correctly is to manually change every single one.

The only way I've ever linked these is by inputting = then double clicking on the appropriate cell and the value shows up and the sheets are linked. I cannot do that anymore. The "formula" always pops up with a word in it (related to the horizontal line but not exactly the same) not the cell number.

I've now spent 3 hours working with online support to be told that my content is the problem and now I must manually enter all of these values. I don't believe this as my content didn't change and other values on the same sheets were linked the exact same way without problem.

I'm not a computer person, I'm learning. I'm a hairstylist just trying to keep my bookkeeping up. Please, any response needs to be as if you're speaking with a 5 year old as I do not understand tech well at all.

='[Budget 2024 .xlsx]January'!Rent               should be ='[Budget 2024 .xlsx]January'!$h$86

[#2]

@jkamelia55 

If the automatic filling using the Fill Handle isn't working as expected, there might be a few reasons why this is happening:

1. Formula Error: Double-check that the formula you're using is correct and references the correct workbook, worksheet, and cell. Even a small mistake can prevent the Fill Handle from working properly.
2. Workbook Path: Ensure that both workbooks are open and saved in the same location on your computer. If the linked workbook's location has changed, Excel may not be able to update the links automatically.
3. Permissions: Make sure you have the necessary permissions to access both workbooks. If the linked workbook is located in a restricted folder or on a network drive where you have limited access, Excel may not be able to update the links.
4. Calculation Settings: Check your Excel calculation settings to ensure that automatic calculation is enabled. If Excel is set to manual calculation mode, formulas won't update automatically when you drag the Fill Handle.
5. Protected Workbook: If the workbook containing the cells you're linking to is protected, you may not be able to create or update links to it. Try unprotecting the workbook before using the Fill Handle. The text was created with the help of AI

My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

Hope this will help you.

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