If I start Excel by clicking on a shortcut that points to
\\server\path1\path2\file.xls and within a second file there is a link to
n:\path2\file.xls the external link will not update. N obviously maps to
\\server\path1 but excel apparently can't figure that out. So users have to
avoid shortcuts that do not map the location exactly as it was when the file
was originally located. Is there anyway to prevent this because users just
create shortcuts and don't know about issues like this. It took me forever
to figure out what the problem was!

You simply need to be consistent. Either use a mapped drive letter like N:
and have all users map the drive the same way or stick to the complete path
without using any mapped network drives.
--
Gary''s Student - gsnu200769


"MikeH2" wrote:

If I start Excel by clicking on a shortcut that points to
\\server\path1\path2\file.xls and within a second file there is a link to
n:\path2\file.xls the external link will not update. N obviously maps to
\\server\path1 but excel apparently can't figure that out. So users have to
avoid shortcuts that do not map the location exactly as it was when the file
was originally located. Is there anyway to prevent this because users just
create shortcuts and don't know about issues like this. It took me forever
to figure out what the problem was!