Excel 1997 Formula Box length

[infinitedark]

I have a summary file that has 15 links to 7 files in a single cell.
When all the files that are being linked to are open, there is no
problem. When just the summary file is open however, the formula box
displays the entire path and filename which gets quite lengthy. In
Excel 1997, the formula box cuts off after 1,054 characters I believe,
so some of the links get cut off in the formula box. However it does
appear Excel maintains the links as long as no changes are made.
(Changes can be made safely with all linked files open) The end
result is I'm not sure how much faith I can have that the links will
be okay.

Do future Excel versions have similar limitations on the formula box?
And, has anyone else encountered this problem and can reassure me that
the links indeed will be okay?

 

[T. Valko]

I've never linked 15 times in a single formula so I can't vouch for the
integrity of those links when the formula exceds the max length limit. A
formula that approaches the limit of 1024 characters in your version has got
to be a real nightmare

Excel 2007 has a max formula length of over 8000 characters. That's a huge
formula! A formula that big would literally fill my entire screen!

Why don't you split the formula over several cells something like:

5 cells with 3 links each
3 cells with 5 links each

Then you'd figure those cells into your final result.

Another thing to consider is using shorter file names/sheet
names/paths/folder names. This is a pet peeve of mine!

 

[Dave Peterson]

Or even use 15 cells on a hidden sheet.

Then change the formula to look at those 15 cells.

 

[Pete]

Or even use 15 cells on a hidden sheet.

Then change the formula to look at those 15 cells.












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Dave Peterson- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Good suggestions, I'll try the hidden cells/sheets. I appreciate it.
As much as I would love to have 2007, that's a corporate decision that
isn't in the cards in our current environment unfortunately!