[Fixed!] ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ Error in Excel

Get FREE Advanced Excel Exercises with Solutions!

A lot of times we apply the Paste Link feature in MS Excel to retrieve data from different worksheets or different workbooks. But, whenever we open the Excel file that contains the links, we get an error dialog box that is not desired. In this article, we’ll show you the effective ways to fix the ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ error in Excel.

To illustrate, we’re going to use a sample dataset as an example. For instance, the following dataset has external links in the Net Sales column.

this workbook contains links to other data sources


‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ Error in Excel: 2 Solutions

You’ll get a Microsoft Excel dialog box whenever you open a file that has links to other worksheets or workbooks. The following picture shows the dialog box.

Fix ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ Error in Excel


1. Fix ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ Error in Excel with Automatic Update and No Message

The Excel file can update the links automatically and will not show any message box if we make certain edits in the Excel File Options. Therefore, follow the below steps carefully to know how to fix the ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ error in Excel.

STEPS:

  • First, go to FileOptions.
  • As a result, the Excel Options dialog box will pop out.
  • Then, select the Advanced tab on the right side.
  • Now, under the General group, uncheck the box for Ask to update automatic links.
  • Afterward, press OK.

Fix ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ Error in Excel with Automatic Update and No Message

  • Finally, you can open Excel files that contain the external links for your data without getting any error message.

Read More: [Fixed!] Excel Links Not Working Unless Source Workbook Is Open


2. Solve ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ Error with Excel Edit Links Feature

We know Excel provides many different Features and we use them to perform various operations. Such a kind is the Edit Links feature which you’ll find in the Queries & Connections group under the Data tab. In this method, we’ll use this feature to solve the ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ problem in Excel.


2.1 Use ‘Do not display the alert and update links’ Option in Edit Links Feature to Fix the Issue

It’s troublesome to get an error dialog box every time we open Excel files that have external links. But concurrently, we may want to update the links, in case there are any changes in the source files. So, learn the following steps to update the links without getting any alert message.

STEPS:

  • Firstly, select Edit Links from the Queries & Connections group under the Data tab.

Solve ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ Error with Excel Edit Links Feature

  • Consequently, the Edit Links dialog box will appear.
  • Here, select the Startup Prompt.

Solve ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ Error with Excel Edit Links Feature

  • As a result, the Startup Prompt dialog box will pop out.
  • Then, check the circle for Don’t display the alert and update links.
  • After that, press OK.

  • At last, you can now open the Excel files and it’ll update the associated links automatically without showing any error dialog box.

2.2 Update Manually and without Alerts for Solving ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ Problem

Often, we share our workbook with many people, and very likely they won’t have access to the sources of the updated links. So, it’s more convenient if we turn off the updating and the prompt for updating. Hence, learn the following process to carry out the desired operation.

STEPS:

  • First of all, go to Data Queries & Connections Edit Links.

Update Manually and without Alerts for Solving ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ Problem

  • As a result, the Edit Links dialog box will pop out.
  • Select Startup Prompt.

Update Manually and without Alerts for Solving ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ Problem

  • Consequently, the Startup Prompt dialog box will emerge.
  • Then, check the circle for Don’t display the alert and don’t update automatic links.
  • Subsequently, press OK.

  • Now, to update the links manually, again select Data Queries & Connections Edit Links.
  • Next, select Update Values in the Edit Links dialog box.
  • After that, press Close.

  • Eventually, you’ll get the updated links and won’t get any error messages.

Read More: [Fixed!] This Workbook Contains Links to One or More External Sources That Could Be Unsafe


Download Practice Workbook

Download the following workbook to practice by yourself.


Conclusion

Henceforth, you will be able to fix the ‘This workbook contains links to other data sources’ error with the above-described methods. Keep using them and let us know if you have any more ways to do the task. Don’t forget to drop comments, suggestions, or queries if you have any in the comment section below.


Related Articles

<< Go Back To Linking Workbooks in Excel | Linking in Excel | Learn Excel

What is ExcelDemy?

ExcelDemy - Learn Excel & Get Excel Solutions Center provides online Excel training , Excel consultancy services , free Excel tutorials, free support , and free Excel Templates for Excel professionals and businesses. Feel free to contact us with your Excel problems.
Aung Shine
Aung Shine

Aung Shine completed his bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. It has been almost 2 years since he joined SOFTEKO and actively working on the ExcelDemy project. Currently he works as a Team Leader where he guides his team members to create technical content. He has published 150+ articles and reviewed 50+ articles. He has also solved various user problems before. He has interests in Data Analysis, Power Query, Advanced Excel,... Read Full Bio

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

Advanced Excel Exercises with Solutions PDF

 

 

ExcelDemy
Logo