hyperlink and cannot find specified file

Question

I will be very thankful for your suggestions in this funny situation

I am trying to use Hyperlink to open pdf files from excel cells. For example,

C2=HYPERLINK("Docs/"&A2,"Open File")

The idea is cell A2 contains "alpha.pdf" and C2 would provide a link to "Docs/alpha.pdf"

However, on clicking the link in C2, it gives me "Alert, cannot open the specified file" error.

Tried all searches, but could not solve it. However, if I then place a link using "Insert->link" to the same file, Docs/alpha.pdf in a different cell (say E2), clicking the link in E2 works.

More interestengly, now my original link in cell C2, also starts working, without any change. Excel seems to have a memory of files it has opened.

But then another cell, for example, C3=HYPERLINK("Docs/"&A3,"Open File"), still does not work !!!

I need to create multiple hyperlinks in the document, and creating individual one would be a pain.

Its drivin me mad !!!

I am using Excel for Mac 16.60

Answer 1

Thanks Tracey,

I have tried this for several files and I still get the error.

For example, here is a screenshot, where I have created a link using the HYPERLINK command. Clicking on it gives the "Alert, cannot open the specified file error".

In the row with a.pdf, I have created two links to the same file - one. using the HYPERLINK command in column D (D10) and another using "Insert->Link" in column E (E10). When I click on D10, it gives me this error. Then, if I click on E10, the file opens. When I close this file and click again on D10, the file opens properly without any change.

Now, if I write a new row, say D12 using hyperlink command to another file, it again gives me the same error as shown in the figure above.

I even tried the full path, and have the same story, as shown in screenshot below.

I tried looking at file permissions, but they all look okay. I am still lost

Answer 2

Hi

Thank you for posting the thread on our forum.

Based on your description, it seems that you can't open the hyperlink to find specified file in your End on mac. ( If my understanding is incorrect, please feel free to post back and let me know)

For the situation you encournted, we do understand the inconvenience caused and apologized for it.

In order to mak sure the file path is correct and no chanhged in your folder (because sometimes the system will organize documents automatically, which will lead the file path chaged). Please open the file in your file folder>properties>copy the file path. Then reopen the excel sheet >click the hyperlink, and then click Edit Hyperlink> In the address box, paste the copied address and click "OK". Then to check the result.

Meanwhile, in order to narrow down if the problem was releated to the file itself, please try to create a new hyperlink with the other pdf file to check if you will get the same error and can't open the file.

We appreciate your understanding that sometimes the initial suggestions may not resolve the problem very soon. However, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation. So, Please kindly provide more information below to let us work further.

• May I know if all files have the problem or just specific file have this problem?
• Can you provide a screenshot of th eerror message to us so that we can have a better understand about your situation?

Hope the information can help you. If there have any unclear, please feel free to post back.

We're looking forward to your reply, we're happy and will to help you all the time!

Your understanding and patience will be highly appreciated!!

Best regards,

Stacey

Answer 3

Hi

The link does not work because you left out some of the file path. You must use the full file path.. For example:

=HYPERLINK("/Users/UserName/Desktop/Test/FTA_Report_No._0097 GHG.pdf","Fancylink")

Answer 4

Thanks Jim,

I tried full path - but still the same, as shown in screetshots above.

Thanks for all help

Answer 5

Dear Stacey and Jim,

This may be the culprit - though I am not sure.

I tried moving the all files and folders to a different directory - juts to check. I then got the permission error with the "Insert->link" cell.

I am not sure, but could it be Mac's sandboxing !!!