XL98: Error Browsing Files When Inserting Hyperlink (176004)

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition, if you attempt to insert a hyperlink that refers to another file, such as a Microsoft Excel workbook, Microsoft Word document, or Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, you may receive the following error message:

An error occurred while browsing files.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if the length of the folder path for the file you want to reference exceeds 210 characters.

In this context, the term "folder path" is defined as the path to a file and does not include the file name itself or any leading colons.

RESOLUTION

You can create a hyperlink to another file only if the folder path to that file does not exceed 210 characters in length.

If files are stored on your computer in such a way that the folder paths for the files exceed this limit, you must move the files into different folders so that the folder paths are shorter.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

When you create a hyperlink in Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition, the path that is used by the hyperlink appears in the cell. The following are two examples:

::My Documents:PowerPoint Presentations:Quarterly Report

My Documents:PowerPoint Presentations:Quarterly Report

If the workbook that contains the hyperlink is stored in the Desktop Folder, the hyperlink appears similar to the first example, that is, with leading colons. Otherwise, the hyperlink appears similar to the second example.

In these examples, the length of the following example folder path

My Documents:PowerPoint Presentations:

is 38 characters. Note that the name of the file ("Quarterly Report") and the leading colons (::) are not included in the folder path.