XL97: Invalid Site Error Using Relative Hyperlink Path

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you click a hyperlink, the following error message may appear:

   The address of this site is not valid.
   Check the address and try again.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs when the hyperlink is unable to find the specified address. The hyperlink may not be able to find the address for the following reasons:

• The address is not valid.

      -or-
  

• You did not save the workbook before inserting a hyperlink with a relative path.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, use one of the following methods:

The Address Is Not Valid

Method 1:

If the address is a World Wide Web internet address, such as www.<server>/<share>/<filename.xls>, where <server> is the Web server name, <share> is the name of the share on the server, and <filename.xls> is the name of a workbook, check that the address is valid with a Web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Method 2:

If the address belongs to an intranet network, verify the address by clicking Open on the file menu, and mapping to the share with the universal naming convention (UNC). For example, use the following convention:

   \\<server>\<share>\<filename.xls>

The Hyperlink Contains a Relative Path

If you failed to save the workbook before you created the hyperlink, save the workbook, and then reinsert the hyperlink.

Microsoft recommends that you save the workbook before you create a hyperlink. In order for Microsoft Excel to create a relative path, a base address must be computed; saving the workbook creates this base address.

STATUS

This behavior is by design in Microsoft Excel 97.

REFERENCES

For more information creating hyperlinks, click the Index tab in Microsoft Excel Help, type the following text

   hyperlinks, creating