Try using Text to Columns to evaluate external formulas. This is much
quicker as it does not relink to the source file.

1. Replace "=" with "'=" (precede = by apostrophe to change formula to
text).
2. Replace "CM2006" with "COST MATRIX 2006"
3. Select column and then DataText to ColumnsDelimitedTabFinish to
evaluate.


On 24 May, 15:02, Rob wrote:
this is my formula
='H:\EXCELDAT\MATRIX\CM2006\[DKBSD06.XLS]FLAT BSD #2 PT'!$D$288
i need to change CM2006 to COST MATRIX 2006 in a column containing 3,500
cells.

when selecting a 3,500 cell column to replace items in the formula, i am
allowed to replace one by one, but when select replace all, excel returns $0
and then locks up.

help?