XL: When You Update a Link in a Workbook, the Link in a Second Workbook Updates (817038)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2002
  • Microsoft Excel 2000
  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you use two workbooks that reference the same source cells in a source workbook you may find that when the source workbook is updated, both workbooks reflect the update. This issue occurs even when the update is applied to only one of the workbooks.

CAUSE

This issue may occur if all the following conditions are true:
  • Two different workbooks reference the same source location.
  • Both workbooks are open in the same session.
  • The source workbook is updated and the updates are applied and saved to one of the workbooks.

This issue occurs because Microsoft Excel maintains an internal table of cell values for linked cells. Although each workbook has its own table, only one copy of the table is maintained in an Excel session.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, do not open multiple workbooks that reference the same source during the same Excel session.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/28/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB817038
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