The best wsay is with a macro. The macro can open each of the workbooks,
extract data and put them into a new workbook without overwriting any data.
the best way to set it up is to put all the workbooks in one folder and then
just open up each file in the folder. You also want to put the filename
(workbook name) in a new column so you know where each piece of data came
from.

" wrote:

I know how to link specific items from one workbook to another.

I needed information on how to transfer data between many workbooks.

I will have over 40 workbooks and I will need to consolidate all the
information into one central workbook which only I can access. All the
workbooks are password protected. there will be between 5-8 columns in
each workbook and also in the central workbook. now I dont know how
many rows will be in each workbook. If i select for example 100 rows
from workbook1 and input them into line 1 of the central workbook, and
select 100 rows from workbook2 and input them into line 2 of the
central workbook will it overwrite the lines from workbook1?

is there a way to have all the values consolidate from all 40
workbooks into 1 central workbook without losing/overwriting data?

Thanks in advance.