XL97: Double-clicking Link Formula Doesn't Open Workbook

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you double-click a cell that contains a formula that is linked to another workbook, that workbook is not opened.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when do the following conditions are true:

• You double-click a cell that is linked to a closed workbook.

  -and-

• The link refers to a defined name.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use either of the following procedures.

Change from a Named Reference to a Cell Reference

For each link formula, change the link to refer to a cell reference instead of a defined name.

If you have several formulas that refer to the same defined name, try using the Replace command on the Edit menu to globally search for and replace a defined name with a cell reference. For example, if you have a link formula that refers to the defined name of Alpha and the name Alpha refers to cell C1, then replace Alpha with $C$1.

Use the Open Source Command

Another way to open a file that the active workbook is linked to is with the Open Source command. This command is located in the Links dialog box. To access this command, click Links on the Edit menu. The Links dialog shows each file the active workbook is linked to. Select the file you want to open and click Open Source.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.