Excel 2010 HYPERLINK spreadsheet function is converting a hashtag in quotes to "%20-%20"

Question

Formula reads:

=hyperlink("https://assignment.uspto.gov/patent/index.html#/patent/search/resultAbstract?id=" & h4 & "&type=applNum")

where h4 is an 8-digit patent application serial number with no formatting, say "09511230". 

Clicking the link generated yields "https://assignment.uspto.gov/patent/index.html%20-%20/patent/search/resultAbstract?id=09511230&type=applNum" in the address bar instead of "https://assignment.uspto.gov/patent/index.html#/patent/search/resultAbstract?id=09511230&type=applNum".

I happen to be using Chrome as my default browser - some on StackOverflow have suggested the problem is with Chrome, but others have said the problem is with IE and switching to Chrome fixed it.  I want the solution to be browser agnostic.  Either Chrome or IE (presumably Firefox too) would take me to the right place if I could just put a literal hashtag in the address bar.  I want to be able to share the spreadsheet with others without having to tell them it only works with a certain browser.   

Appreciate any suggestions, thanks.

Answer 1

Hello Rey Jeff,

To help you out with your concern, we suggest that you repair the Office application and see if the issue persists. For instructions, click this link: Repair an Office application.

Let us know how it goes.

Thank you.