Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 14, 2022)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Mike wonders if there is a way to have links to information in an external workbook use relative references. For instance, if there is a link to a cell in another workbook, it is automatically set to an explicit path, such as c:\fullpath\otherfile.xls. It would be better for Mike's purposes if it was not an explicit path, instead using simply otherfile.xls. That way he could move files around and have the reference be to an external file that is relative to where my current workbook is located.
There is no real way to do this in Excel. The links are created when the linked file is stored. When both workbooks are open (the one with the link and the one that is the target of the link), the links refer to just the filename. The full path location is only saved when the linked file is saved.
If you want to move the location of files, just open both files and then use Save As to save the files where you want them. Excel will update the links to the proper locations. If you move the files around outside of Excel, however, then the links could easily get messed up. (Some people have reported success by having the source and target workbooks always be in the same folder, but this seems to be more simplistic than what Mike is looking for.)
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (7921) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Dive Deep into Macros! Make Excel do things you thought were impossible, discover techniques you won't find anywhere else, and create powerful automated reports. Bill Jelen and Tracy Syrstad help you instantly visualize information to make it actionable. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, real-world case studies, and 50 workbooks packed with examples and solutions. Check out Microsoft Excel 2019 VBA and Macros today!
Excel allows you to reference data in other workbooks by establishing links to that data. If you later want to get rid of ...
Discover MoreExcel allows you to easily link information from one workbook to another. If you want to get rid of links that may be ...
Discover MoreIf you have linked information in your worksheets, you may want a way you can easily change the targets to which those ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments