This is how excel/windows work. If the sending file is closed, you're limited
to those 255 characters.

You'll get the whole string if the sending workbook is open.

Anthony wrote:

I noticed others have asked a question about this issue already, but none of
the answers seems to fit my problem. I have a spreadsheet that has links to
another completely different spreadsheet file. When I open up the file with
the links, it asks me if I want to update the links. I tell it to "Update
Links" but it doesn't update everything in the linked cell. After so many
words it just cuts off. I have been told this is because the "update links"
function will only update so many characters from the other spreadsheet
(maybe 255). However, if I open BOTH the file with the links and the source
file, it updates all the characters in the cell (there doesn't seem to be a
255 limit).
Is this a "glitch" with update links? Is this how is suppose to work. Is
there a "workaround" so that you don't have to open both files.

The link is structured like this: ='C:\Control Files\Updates\[Source
file.xls]Sheet1'!$B$96.

The file "Source file.xls" is the source file.

Thanks

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Dave Peterson