Sometimes, we are unable to extend the hyperlinks in our Excel file. It shows an error “Cannot open the specified file.” To fix the error, the article will guide you. In this article, we are trying to give in detail directions associated with the error “Cannot open the specified file” in the Excel hyperlink.
What is Hyperlink in Excel?
In Microsoft Excel, hyperlinks generate a shortcut that takes to a different part of the current workbook, or a server, or takes where the file is located. Actually, it assists in viewing information in various locations. This will make our work easier.
‘Cannot Open the Specified File’ Error in Excel Hyperlink: 5 Reasons with Solutions
In Excel, we use hyperlinks to find our documents/information quickly. But once in a while, Excel shows an error “Cannot open the specified file.”. There are so many reasons why the error appears. So, Let’s demonstrate the reasons and the solutions to that specific error in Excel. To exhibit the reasons and solutions behind this error, we are going to use the dataset below which contains a list of article locations to track them smoothly.
Reason 1: Replace the Hyperlink File Name
Suppose, we have a hyperlinked Excel spreadsheet and we open it after many days but when we click on the hyperlinks it shows an error “Cannot open the specified file.” It may be altered by the file name. So, if the text of the hyperlink differs from the actual file name, then the hyperlinks will not work.
Solution: Renamed File’s Name
To solve this problem we need to make sure that the file name is updated and the links are pointed to the renamed file. To do this, follow the steps below.
STEPS:
- First, select the text cell indicating the hyperlink.
- Second, right-click on the hyperlink address cell.
- Next, select Edit Hyperlink.
- Now, from the existing file or web page, select the renamed file. We find the file from the drop-down menu under the second Look in section.
- Or we can replace the present file name with a renamed file in the hyperlink address.
- Then. Click OK.
Read More: How to Edit Hyperlink in Excel
Reason 2: A Hash (#) Sign Appears in the File Name
If we want to hyperlink a file in excel, we can not include the pound character/hash sign (#) in the file name. As it cannot be used in hyperlinks in Microsoft Office spreadsheets. If the pound character/hash sign (#) is used to the file name, the error “Cannot open the specified file” may occur.
Solution: Remove the Hash (#) Sign from the File Name
To solve the problem, follow the procedures down.
STEPS:
- Firstly, open the file that contains the hash sign (#). And then, rename the file. Rename the file by going to the location where it is saved, right-clicking on it, and selecting Rename.
- In the second place, right-click on the cell which contains the hyperlink with the (#) sign.
- Next, likewise the solution of Reason 1, select Edit Hyperlink.
- Then, copy the address of the file which connects the renamed file.
- In the Address box, remove the (#) sign.
- The renamed file will be put to the Address field without the pound character.
- Finally, click the OK button.
Read More: How to Fix Broken Hyperlinks in Excel
Reason 3: Excel Closes Suddenly Due to an Unexpected Crash
Computer functions break down if they shut down suddenly. Sometimes it might happen for some reason and the hyperlinks could not connect properly to the Excel file. After opening the computer again the links might not work and show an error “Cannot open the specified file”. It is the most common reason that hyperlinks can not be opened.
Solution: Disable “Update Links on Save” When Hyperlink Cannot Open the Specified File in Excel
To fix this most common reason for hyperlink errors, follow the steps below.
STEPS:
- In the beginning, open Microsoft Excel. Then, go to the File tab on the ribbon.
- Next, click on the Options menu.
- The Excel Options window will appear.
- Now, go to Advanced and click on the Web Options under General.
- Now we can view that the Web Options dialog box will open up.
- After that, go to Files and uncheck the box “Update links on save”.
- Then, click on the OK button to save the changes.
This will solve the sudden shutdown problem.
Read More: [Fix:] Hyperlink to Website Not Working in Excel
Reason 4: Incorrect File Path will show ‘Cannot Open the Specified File’ Hyperlink Error
Sometimes, we shift the file to another location. This changes the file path also. Now if we wish to go to the location by clicking the hyperlink on excel, this won’t open the file. This will give us an error, showing that “Cannot open the specified file.”
Solution: Fix Specified File Path is Correct
To fix the above problem, we just need to follow the simple procedures below.
STEPS:
- First, check the hyperlink address. Also, check if the file path is correct or not. Now, select the hyperlink that we need to alternate.
- Then, similarly, to the earlier problem solutions, right-click and select Edit Hyperlink.
- Next, from the address box, enter the exact file path and click OK.
Read More: [Fixed!] Excel Hyperlink Keeps Coming Back
Reason 5: If Portable Drive Letter has Changed it Shows ‘Cannot Open the Specified File’
If the hyperlink points to a USB drive, sometimes it may change the portable drive letter If we put in another device (USB drive) on our computer. Or it may replace the disk where the related data is stored.
Solution: Change the Drive Letter Using Disk Management
We can fix the problem by changing the drive letter using disk management. Let’s see the steps below to fix the problem.
STEPS:
- First, ensure that we logged in as an administrator.
- Then, go to Windows and search for the Windows Administrative Tools.
- Now, click on Computer Management.
- After that, the Computer Management window will pop up. From there, go to Disk Management and select the drive.
- Next, right-click and select the Change Drive Letter and Paths.
- Now, we can see that the Change Drive Letter and Paths window will show up.
- Click on Change.
- As we will be able to change the drive letter from the drop-down menu bar, change it as preferred.
- Finally, click on the OK button to save the changes.
By following those, hopefully, you can solve the problem.
Download Practice Workbook
You can download the workbook and practice with them.
Conclusion
The above components are the main purpose of the Excel hyperlink that can’t open the supplied file issue. After reading the article you can easily find the solutions to the ‘cannot open the specified file’ error in the Excel hyperlink. Hope this will help you! If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback please let us know in the comment section.
Related Articles
- How to Find and Replace Hyperlinks in Excel
- How to Extract Hyperlink from URL in Excel
- Hyperlink in Excel Not Working
- [Fixed!] Hyperlinks in Excel Not Working After Saving
- [Fixed!] Excel Hyperlink Formula Not Working
- [Fixed!] Excel Hyperlink Is Not Redirecting Properly
<< Go Back To Excel Hyperlink Not Working | Hyperlink in Excel | Linking in Excel | Learn Excel
Get FREE Advanced Excel Exercises with Solutions!
