Using Names (as Variables) in Excel

[DeadSeaSquirrels]

This is the first time I am using the insert->name function in excel 2000. I am using the name "Vendor" to refer to some cells in another workbook.

I have it setup so that this variable works when the workbook where "vendors" is referring to is open, but it doesn't work when the workbook that "vendors" is referring to is closed. I know the syntax is such that when the workbook is open the path defining vendor should be [workbook]worksheet#!range
and when it is closed it should have the entire path starting at c:\

My name variable does that, it automatically knows when the file I am referring to is closed or open, so obviously it knows which file I am talking about. So does anybody have any idea why it is doing this, why it works only when other file is open?

 

[NeoV]

do you have your re-calculation settings on manual or automatic? Also, if you open this file first, before any other files are open, does it ask you if you want to update the data from the other file?

 

[DeadSeaSquirrels]

I don't know about that recalculate thing, I'd have to see where that option is. I'm not sure which file you are referring to as "this," but when I open up the target .xlt document (that is the one that contains the link), it doesn't ask me for any sort of updating or anything.

I checked and it looks like I have it on automatic re-calculation.