thanks for the information; doesn't make me happy, but it explains it anyway.

"bj" wrote:

Sumif needs to have the external file open, as does countif and several other
functions. I do not have a list of all of the which need to have the other
file open.

"Margie" wrote:

getting #Value error in cell if source file isn't open when using SUMIF
formula. Once file is opened the correct $$/amounts appear and there are no
errors. why am i getting value errors using this formula??? see example of
formula i am questioning below.

=SUMIF('R:\Signature\ATB\atb seq 23
Jun07.xls'!TB,Payors!C17,'R:\Signature\ATB\atb seq 23
Jun07.xls'!TBTL)+SUMIF('R:\Signature\ATB\atb seq 23
Jun07.xls'!TB,Payors!C23,'R:\Signature\ATB\atb seq 23 Jun07.xls'!TBTL)