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hyperlink and cannot find specified file

Anonymous
2022-04-23T08:27:37+00:00

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

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For education | MacOS

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  1. Jim G 134K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2022-04-25T13:48:13+00:00

    Cannot open and requires permission to open are two different conditions.

    Hover the mouse over the hyperlink to view the path that the link is trying to open.

    Once you grant access to the file you want to open, Mac OS should remember you granted permission from then on. You're right. This is Apple's Sandboxing prompting you for permission.

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