Randy and Dick:

Thanks for your replies. Randy, Yes. i can use Index(). Last night I had
just discovered that Index() also gives me the functionality that I need...
and that it is suitably behaved w.r.t. contained external references.

Thanks again.

"Randy Harmelink" wrote:

Can you use INDEX() instead of the OFFSET() function?

On Sep 18, 5:54 pm, Apexman wrote:
I am using Excel 2003. I have a cell referencing an external workbook (that
is on my own computer). If the external reference is within the OFFSET or
INDIRECT function, it gets a #ref error if the supporting workbook is not
OPEN. When I open the supporting workbook, the same formula works fine. I
tried external references that are not imbedded in functions, and they work
fine (supporting workbook closed or open). I also tried the SUM function,
and it too works with the supporting workbook open or closed. Am I doing
something wrong? Is there some limitation that I cannot find documented? Is
there a know bug? Can anyone help?