Formula linkage between files: Update

[Frank haro]

I have information flowing from a master file to
subordinate file. With Excel 2003 I now have to have the
subordinate files open for additional information, a row
or column that is added, to update. If the subordinate
files arenot open at the change of the master file, upon
opening the subordinate files the update treats the cell
as an absolute. Cell b2 should have changed to c2 but
remains on b2 as if $b$2.

There are too many subordinate files accessing the
information to open them all. The update function worked
on Excel 2000. Any suggestions on a remedy?

Thanks,
Frank