Test if any other workbooks' formulas point to this workbook

[finny388]

I have a workbook that contains lots of source data.
I want to insert columns but need to know if that will mess up other workbooks that have vlookups pointed to it.

Is there any way to determine this?

thanks

[gjlindn]

Do you have a list of all workbooks that link to your workbook? I think it works like this: If you have the workbook opened which is linked to your workbook and you insert columns in your workbook, the linked workbook will adjust. Workbooks linked to yours which are not open would not adjust and point to the wrong data when updated. I'm sure someone will pipe in if this is incorrect. Thanks!

[Azam Ali]

Hi finny 388

if you insert the column at the end of data then there will be no problem. however, if you add the column with in the vlook up range then the vlookup formula in the other workbook will not give correct answer.

if you use index+match function with tact instead of vlookup, then it will adjust even if the columns are added with inthe range

[finny388]

Do you have a list of all workbooks that link to your workbook?

Thank you but no, that is what I am asking.

[gjlindn]

Well...if you're able to search all directories that could contain a potentially linked workbook, then yes. It would require some sort of code to open each excel workbook and check for links to your workbook. Not a short running task if you have a lot of places to search and/or a lot of potentially linked workbooks. Excel workbooks don't inherently know what workbooks are linked to it...only which workbooks it links to. Does that make sense? If you are interested in a VBA solution to search all possible potential workbooks let me know and I may be able to help you with that. Thanks!