Not sure what you are trying to do.

You have a worksheet and want to get external data--new database query
and have MS Query import the data from a specified worksheet.

1. If you exit MS Query and go back in again it should not ask you
whether you want to update "links". What links are those? What is the
message you get?

2. If your imported data occupies columns A:F you can have formulas
from G:xx which can be automatically maintained by Query (check box in
the properties)

3. The odd behaviour you describe I've seen when you format a cell as
text and copy a formula into it, it will be text. If you then format
the cell as general you will have to edit the formula and hit return in
order for it to be recognized as a formula.

It's not quite clear what your procedure is. Maybe you can give a bit
more information about the steps you are taking?

Hans