Error opening workbook containing links to HTML workbook (291084)

SYMPTOMS

When you open a workbook in Microsoft Excel 2000, in Microsoft Excel 2002, or in Microsoft Office Excel 2003, you may receive the following error message:

This workbook contains links to other data sources.

* If you update the links, Excel attempts to retrieve the latest data.

* If you don't update, Excel uses the previous information.

If you click Update, you receive the following error message:

This workbook contains one or more links that cannot be updated.

* To change the source of links, or attempt to update values again, click Edit Links.

* To open the workbook as is, click Continue.

CAUSE

Excel cannot update links from a workbook that is saved in the HTML file format if that workbook is closed.

Excel updates the links correctly if the link source file is already opened.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, open the HTML file to which the workbook is linked before you update links in the workbook.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.