Finding External Links in Excel

Using the Find Feature

To locate cells with external links in Excel, utilize the Find feature. It is a straightforward method to search for and identify these links within a workbook.

Named Ranges and External Links

Check the 'Refers To' column in the Name Manager to find external links in named ranges. This will reveal any links to other workbooks.

Special Objects with External Links

Use the Go To Special feature to discover objects, such as charts or Pivot Tables, that contain external links. This feature assists in quickly pinpointing such links.

External Links in Charts

Click on the chart title or data series to find external links in Excel charts. This action will show if there are any links to external data sources.

External Links in Pivot Tables

For Pivot Tables, access the Change Data Source dialog to review the data source, which can indicate the presence of external links.

Edit Links Feature

The Edit Links feature allows you to manage and break external links. It provides a list of all linked workbooks and the status of each link.

VBA Macro to List External Links

Deploy a VBA macro or GetLinks function to generate a comprehensive list of all external links. A VBA code can also create hyperlinks to the cells with external links, outputting results to a new worksheet.

Workbook Links Pane

Access the Workbook Links pane via Data > Queries and Connections > Workbook Links to see all workbook links. Use the 'Find next link' button to navigate through each link.

Maintaining Workbook Links

Keep workbook links updated to ensure they refresh with the latest values. If links break, they need maintenance for correct function. Breaking a link can convert formulas to static values, but this action can be undone if needed.

Common Use Cases

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  Auditing external resources for data validation
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  Creating a directory of external references for easier navigation
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  Tracking down broken links to maintain spreadsheet integrity
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  Identifying dependencies on external documents for risk management
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  Streamlining collaboration by sharing relevant external resources

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