Linking Excel files in Dropbox across multiple users

Question

We have several Excel files with formulas that link to other Excel files all saved in a shared folder.  With our local server the links would work for every user the same.  Now with using Dropbox, the link will work for one user and not for another user.  If the 2nd user changes the file path to make the link work for them, then it will no longer work for the first user.  How do we make it so all users in the shared file can open the Excel file and have the links update without having to change the file path for each user?

Jay · Answer

Hi @Oliver243234, thanks for messaging the Community!

It depends on how you're linking to the file in question. Absolute paths contain full folder names, and relative paths use their current location in the file structure.

You could try these steps to see if they help.

Keep me updated with any progress!

Rich · Answer

@Oliver243234 wrote:How do we make it so all users in the shared file can open the Excel file and have the links update without having to change the file path for each user?

This happens because Excel and most other applications use the full path to the linked file, not a relative path, and since the Dropbox folder will be in a different location for every user, the paths will be different for every user.

The only way to make this work is if everyone stores their Dropbox folder in the exact same location, such as C:\Dropbox and the shared folder is in the exact same location with the same name for everyone.