XL98: "Cannot Open Specified File" Clicking Hyperlink (179329)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q179329

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition, when you click a hyperlink that is linked to a defined name or a range in another workbook, you may receive the following error message
Cannot open the specified file.
and the window of the workbook to which you are hyperlinking becomes hidden.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs if all of the following conditions are true:
  • You create a hyperlink using the HYPERLINK worksheet function. -and-

  • The "link_location" argument of the HYPERLINK function uses the syntax 
          <workbook name>!<defined name or range>
    for example:

    "Macintosh HD:Documents:Testlink!Alpha"

    -or-

    "Macintosh HD:Documents:Testlink!$A$1"

    -and-

  • You are referring to a defined name that is not contained on the first worksheet in the workbook.

RESOLUTION

To prevent this problem from occurring, use the following syntax in the "link_location" argument of the HYPERLINK function: 
   [<workbook name>]<defined name or range>
So, instead of using this 
   =HYPERLINK("Macintosh HD:Documents:Testlink!Alpha")
you should use

=HYPERLINK("[Macintosh HD:Documents:Testlink]Alpha")

-or-

=HYPERLINK("[Macintosh HD:Documents:Testlink]$A$1")

If you use the incorrect syntax, the window of the workbook to which you are hyperlinking becomes hidden. To unhide the workbook, follow these steps:
  1. On the Window menu, click Unhide.
  2. Click the name of the workbook you want to unhide and click OK.
You can then close or save the workbook, as necessary.

STATUS

This behavior is by design of Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition.

MORE INFORMATION

The HYPERLINK worksheet function in Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition allows you to create a hyperlink, or jump, to Web pages and Microsoft Office documents.

If you use the HYPERLINK function to create a link to a defined name within a Microsoft Excel workbook, you must use the [<workbook name>]<defined name> syntax when you refer to the defined name. If you use the more traditional <workbook name>!<defined name or range> syntax, the hyperlink may not work correctly.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/11/2002
Keywords:kbprb kbweb KB179329
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.