Since Microsoft Excel is an excellent software though it is not free from errors and corruption issues. One such error is “This workbook contains one or more links that cannot be updated.” This annoying message usually occurs when external links in your Excel spreadsheet are missing or broken. In this helpful blog, I will show you how to solve this error and will also mention the roots behind this.
So, let’s get started…
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Why This Workbook Contains One Or More Links Error Occurs?
Before fixing this error, it is important to know the common roots behind it. Here are the major ones:
- Moved or renamed files linked in a workbook.
- External data sources that no longer exist.
- Outdated Excel software.
- Corrupt links or improperly configured settings.
After knowing the causes, it’s time to troubleshoot this problem with the best fixes.
How to Fix This Workbook Contains One Or More Links That Cannot Be Updated?
Follow the below step-by-step methods to solve this annoying error message effectively:
Method 1- Update or Break the Links
You can try fixing this error by updating or breaking the links. For breaking the links for the exact spreadsheet, follow the below steps:
- Open an Excel workbook >> click File.
- Next, click Info >> Edit Links to Files.
- Under the Edit Links, if relevant choose the link & tap on Break Link to confirm.
- Press CTRL+S to save the spreadsheet.
Instead, to suppress the message and automatically update the links when you open a workbook, follow these steps:
- In Excel, click File >> Options.
- Now, click on the Advanced.
- In the General, click ‘Ask to update automatic links’ to disable the checkbox.
- Finally, click on click OK.
Method 2- Update the Excel Software
Many users have reported that updating the Excel version helped them to solve Excel this workbook contains one or more links that cannot be updated error.
To update Excel software:
- Open an Excel application.
- Go to the File >> Account
- After this, click Update Options >> Update Now.
That’s it!
Method 3- Use the Find and Replace Option to Fix Excel This Workbook Contains One Or More Links
Another effective trick you can try is using the find and replace option:
- Select the blank cell
- Next, press Ctrl + F keys together to open a ‘Find and Replace’ window.
- Then, enter [in the ‘Find What’.
- Now, click on ‘Find Next’.
- After that, you’ll see the cell contains the external cell reference.
- Remove a cell value. This will remove all the data in (C5:C10), as references are used.
- At last, press Ctrl + S keys together to save the file & close the workbook.
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Related FAQs:
How Do I Get Rid of The Security Warning in Excel Automatically Updating Links?
To get rid of this security warning in Excel automatically updating links, follow these steps: go to the File > Options > Advanced. In the General, you have to click to clear the checkbox of ‘Ask to update automatic links’.
Why Are Excel Links Not Updating?
Excel cannot update the links because the source is not connected.
How Do I Remove This Workbook That Contains Links in Excel?
To remove this workbook that contains links in Excel, follow the below steps:
- Go to the ‘Data’ tab >> click ‘Queries & Connections’ group.
- Click ‘Edit Links.’
- Locate the link that you need to remove from the ‘Source’ list.
- By holding the ‘Crtl’ button on the keyboard to select the multiple cells >> click each link to remove.
How to Fix the Message That This Workbook Contains Links?
To remove the message that this workbook contains links, click File >> Options >> Advanced. In the General, click to disable the checkbox ‘Ask to update automatic links.
How Do I Remove Security from An Excel Workbook?
Removing the security from an Excel workbook involves a few easy steps:
- Go to the Review tab >> click Protect Workbook.
- Click on the Unprotect Sheet or Protect Workbook >> enter the password.
Time to Conclude
Resolving Excel this workbook contains one or more links that cannot be updated error to ensure seamless work in Excel. However, by following the solutions discussed above in this blog, you can tackle this situation efficiently and fix broken links.
Apart from this, if you face any other Excel issues, ask on our Facebook & Twitter pages.