Troubleshoot Excel links

[Guest]

I have several Powerpoint presentations based on links to Excel graphs and
tables. The links were made using Paste Special-Link. Unfortunately we had a
computer problem and had to restore these files from a backup tape. After the
restoration, when I open the Powerpoint and the update links function starts,
I get an error message with every single linked chart or graph that says the
object cannot be updated because the link is broken. When I go into "Edit
Links", all the links are reported a functioning OK. If I click "Continue"
rather than "Edit Links", I am taken to the correct worksheet in Excel.

Can anyone explain why Powerpoint thinks the links are not viable and tell
me how to get them working again? I've tried deleting the object I've linked
and relinking, but Powerpoint still thinks the object is not linked as
described above.

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

I have several Powerpoint presentations based on links to Excel graphs and
tables. The links were made using Paste Special-Link. Unfortunately we had a
computer problem and had to restore these files from a backup tape. After the
restoration, when I open the Powerpoint and the update links function starts,
I get an error message with every single linked chart or graph that says the
object cannot be updated because the link is broken. When I go into "Edit
Links", all the links are reported a functioning OK. If I click "Continue"
rather than "Edit Links", I am taken to the correct worksheet in Excel.

Can anyone explain why Powerpoint thinks the links are not viable and tell
me how to get them working again? I've tried deleting the object I've linked
and relinking, but Powerpoint still thinks the object is not linked as
described above.

As a start, download the free FixLinks demo at http://fixlinks.pptools.com
Its reporting tool will give you a list of the links in your presentation.
Verify that the paths to the links match where the files currently reside
*exactly*.

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Steve. I downloaded the tool, but the demo doesn't work on linked
charts and tables.
Do you have other suggestions?

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

Thanks, Steve. I downloaded the tool, but the demo doesn't work on linked
charts and tables.

It doesn't repair them, no. But I didn't suggest it would.
Use the report tool to get a list of the links and as suggested, verify that the
linked files are exactly where the link points to.