MS Office for Mac help

[Porkchop Sandwich]

I am working on a time sensitive project and have run into a snag.

I have MS Office 2016 for Mac installed on my Mac (not using a Windows partition)

Anyhow, I'm working on a spreadsheet and have inserted several hyperlinks to pdf files that I have stored on my computer. I created a new file to store the links and linked the files to the spreadsheet from that new file. I intend for this new spreadsheet to evolve into a comprehensive database that contains a great deal of information, along with several links.

I created the s-sheet and attached some linked files as described - worked beautifully. Then I ran into a snag - when I close and reopen the spreadsheet, I click on the pdf link and a dialogue comes up stating that I must locate the file by pointing to it again "for security purposes". This is not only tedious but, obviously an issue going forward b/c the step negates the nicety of linking files.

First, I'm hoping someone can offer guidance in order to correct the issue locally (my computer/my own use). Second, once this is hopefully resolved, I need to be able to send the entire file to a colleague and I will want the same functionality on their end. (i.e.; open linked pdf's w/out additional steps)

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Here is a screen shot of the dialogue that I receive once I've closed the spreadsheet, re-open, and click on a link in the s-sheet.

 

[DeltaMac]

Is your Office for Mac fully updated? Current version is 15.36...
Run Update from the help menu just to make sure that no updates are available.

Is there a setting in Excel preferences, General or Edit tab that would enable automatic updating for links? I know there is in the previous Office 2011 (I'm not up to date, but settings like that shouldn't be too much different.

 

[campyguy]

Both versions of Excel (and Word/PP) 2016 have completely changed access to external files and permissions. Seriously, it's in the Help section. Take time to read it.

In brief, both the apps and VB Macros in Office 2016 for Mac/Windows do not have access to external files by default - the apps are sandboxed and hence they lack the required permissions to access external files.

The only means to grant access is to utilize the Boolean command named "GrantAccessToMultipleFiles" and assess both the proper parameters and return values; keep in mind that, if you're using a cross-platform solution you'll need to designate parameters and return values for each OS.

 

[Porkchop Sandwich]

Is your Office for Mac fully updated? Current version is 15.36...
Run Update from the help menu just to make sure that no updates are available.

Is there a setting in Excel preferences, General or Edit tab that would enable automatic updating for links? I know there is in the previous Office 2011 (I'm not up to date, but settings like that shouldn't be too much different.

Thanks DeltaMac - I just acquired the program so it's MS Office 2016 (for mac). Following the initial d-load & Windowscentric verification procedures, there was in fact an update that I took care of.

Also, I checked the preferences dialogue as you suggested and there is an option under "edit" that says, "Ask to update automatic links" - this was checked. I unchecked the box, closed & restarted the program and unfortunately, it doesn't appear to solve my problem. Pretty frustrated b/c this very feature (embedding docs & sharing w/clients/colleagues) was the primary feature that compelled me to buy the program. Despite the fact it didn't work, thank you for the post..really need to work this out sooner than later.
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Both versions of Excel (and Word/PP) 2016 have completely changed access to external files and permissions. Seriously, it's in the Help section. Take time to read it.

In brief, both the apps and VB Macros in Office 2016 for Mac/Windows do not have access to external files by default - the apps are sandboxed and hence they lack the required permissions to access external files.

The only means to grant access is to utilize the Boolean command named "GrantAccessToMultipleFiles" and assess both the proper parameters and return values; keep in mind that, if you're using a cross-platform solution you'll need to designate parameters and return values for each OS.

Thanks Campguy - I quickly scanned through the help section and it appears to outline the procedure (to embed a file) that I did execute. Keyword = quickly scanned through so I'll have to go back and read it more carefully.

While I'll admit that your instructions to grant access along with adjusting the parameters is cogent, it's a little over my head but, that doesn't mean I can't figure it out with a little diligence. Thanks for the info - I'm going to see what I can figure out while also referring to the help section.

 

[Porkchop Sandwich]

Gentlemen, thank you again for your posts.

Somehow, I thought that if I created a source file that contained the docs that my cells would link to - and then sent the spreadsheet / draft to a recipient along with the source file - what I wanted to achieve would work. Interweb or cloud based file storage is not an option. At this early stage in the s-sheets evolution, it’s just not practical to generate a s-sheet saved on a USB stick (or similar) that links to files on the same USB stick so that the path to the links remain consistent from w-station to w-station through the aforementioned USB stick (or similar). Therefore, allowing for collaboration and evolution of the data base amongst associates et al. campguy, you seem to indicate that there may be some work-arounds but frankly, I'm not savvy enough nor, do I have the time to become savvy enough to figure it out.

Not quite sure why I didn’t consider the file path requirements but, it honestly didn’t even occur to me.

Thank you once again for your help.