#VALUE appears in Excel file with links using "No Update"

[jjones]

The links seem to be deteriorating in monthly reports sent
to about 60 recipients. Using Excel 2000 files that
contain links to a single source of data (another Excel
file). When a recipient first opens their Excel report
they see all the numbers but a window appears asking them
if they want to update the links. When they answer NO
UPDATE, the numbers disappear from the cells and are
replaced with #VALUE. Six months ago, started out with
two people with disappearing numbers, now up to seven
recipients. What causes this link problem? ...how is it
fixed?

Thanks for help!

 

[HJ]

I had a similar problem with a spreadsheet I received. It turned out that
the file I received had a bunch of formulas that used the offset function. I
needed the source file (and needed it to be open) in order for the formulas
to work properly in the spreadsheet I received. Not sure if that will help
at all but thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[jusgettinby]

Thank you, HJ!
That would definitely work, but sending the source file is not an
option...it contains sales figures for the entire company. The Excel files
that are sent out contain only info for each region. Criteria tables are
used to separate each region's sales. Does it matter if the criteria table
is located in the source file or the region file?

Thanks again for help!

 

[HJ]

Not seeing the spreadsheet I can't say for sure but it sounds like you may
need it to be in the region file (you can try testing it by setting up a
sample spreadsheet and then sending to someone to open and see what happens).


I was able to solve the issue by having the sender do a copy/paste
special/values before sending the file to me. It was a quick and easy
solution in my case. Would that work for you?