XL98: Unable to Use File URL in Linking Formulas (189155)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q189155

SYMPTOMS

If you try to enter a linking formula in a cell using a File URL format, the formula will return the #REF! error.

CAUSE

Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition only supports Internet links using either the HTTP URL or the FTP URL formats.

RESOLUTION

If you know the path to the file and have connected to the server using Chooser, you can create a formula link. The following is an example of a formula link:

='share:[bookname]Sheet1'!A1

MORE INFORMATION

The following linking formulas are examples of how you can manually create Internet links in Microsoft Excel to HTTP or FTP servers:

HTTP

='http://webserver/webpage/[bookname]Sheetname'!A1

When you enter this formula, it may initially resolve to the #REF! error value, but after a few seconds, the source cell value will display in the linked cell.

FTP

='ftp://server/[bookname]Sheetname'!A1

REFERENCES

For more information about creating links to external files, follow these steps:
  1. On the Help menu, click Contents and Index. If you are using a version of the Macintosh operating system that is earlier than 8.0, click Contents and Index on the Balloon Help menu.
  2. In Microsoft Excel Help, click Index, and then type the following text:

    linking data, ways to

  3. Click Show Topics. Click the Create links to connect to data and files topic, and then click Go To.
If you cannot find the information that you want, ask the Office Assistant.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/11/2002
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb kbweb KB189155
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.