Remove external links in your workbook

It can be annoying when we open a workbook and see a warning message like

this:

We see that „Edit Links” option is active on the ribbon:

What is more annoying if we cannot break the link using the usual way: Edit

Links then Break Link:

If we cannot get rid of the external link, follow these steps which always works

for me:

1. Check Formulas - Name Manager:

If you see any leftover for names, delete them.

2. Home- Conditional Formatting

3. Data- Data Validation: for drop down lists

4. Formulas which contains external source:

- you can hit CTRL+F and search for [

- you can use Formulas – Show Formulas for a visual check:

5. Check if workbook is shared:

- you can share a workbook here: Review – Share Workbook

- you can check if it is shared: in te header you see the text [Shared] after

file name:

- you can also check File – Info:

6. Check compatibility: File- Info- Check for Issues – Check Compatibility

7. Objects in worksheets (like shapes, buttons, combo box etc.): remove

them if not needed

Finally: if is still active after executed steps above: save, close the

reopen spreadsheet.