Simple excel formula but problematic

Hi.

The answer to my problem may be simple. I have a simple formula of just using the "=" sign that links one cell to another cell from another workbook. If the source workbook is not opened at the same time that the active workbook is opened, I will occassionally get #REF! message on some of these linked cells. The #REF! will only go away if the source workbook is opened. Why is this so?

Thanks.

Shouldn't. Try Ctrl+Alt+F9 to recalculate everything.

Tried it. Error won't go away. The strange thing is, the error message only appears on some of the cells and not all of the cells that contain the same linkages to the same tab of the other workbook.

Any help?

Hi friend11_6,

What's the formula in the other workbook - sounds like it might be an INDIRECT formula as these cause an error if the workbook they're referring to is not open.

Robert

There was no formula in the other cell. Blank.

... sounds like it might be an INDIRECT formula ...

If it is, the OP has misled us.

Is there any function involved, or (as you suggested) a simple =[someWorkbook.xls]someSheet!someCell?

It is just a simple formula =[someWorkbook.xls]someSheet!someCell.

I misread Trebor's post, and he had a good point. What formulas appear in the problematic cells in the referenced workbook?

Hi.

The cell in the referenced workbook only contained value.