Hyperlinks in the files could be the reference to the file location on the computer within the spreadsheet. But sometimes, the links won’t work and the error message prompts on the screen saying, “Cannot open the specified file.” There are several reasons that trigger the hyperlink issue such as the source file being deleted or moved to some other location.
But there is no need to panic as this error can be easily fixed by using practical tips and tricks. Here’s the comprehensive guide to some of the effective methods to fix hyperlinks, not working issues.
Part 1: Definition and Knowledge of Hyperlink
Before jumping into the solutions, it is essential to get well aware of the hyperlink definition and the reasons that might cause the error to generate. Keep on scrolling to find out more details.
What is a hyperlink?
A hyperlink is a text or icon that can take you to another website. It serves as the reference point that connects a specific page to another page over the web. The linked text is known as the Anchor text and is usually in blue and underlined. Aside from opening new pages, hyperlinks can also bring the reader to the particular section on the same page.
Hyperlinks are generally divided into two types - Internal Hyperlinks and External Hyperlinks. An Internal hyperlink is a link that connects different subpages of one domain. External link, on the other hand, connects to a different domain. It can be classified as either an outbound or inbound link.
How to create a hyperlink?
Wondering about how to create a hyperlink? Follow the steps mentioned below to make a hyperlink to the file on a computer.
-
Select the text or image you want to display as a hyperlink.
-
Press Ctrl + K.
-
Go to the “Link to” section and do one of the following.
If you want to link to an existing file, click “Existing File or Web Page” under the “Link to” section and then search for the file in the Look in List or the Current Folder List.
If you want to create a new file and link to it, tap “Create New Document” and type a name for the new file under the “Link to” section. You can either use the location mentioned under Full Path or browse to the different location by tapping “Change.”
Why is the hyperlink not working?
Here’re some of the major reasons that might trigger the hyperlink issue.
-
Change in the name of the hyperlinked file
The hyperlink not working error arises if the file name appearing in the hyperlink text is different than the actual file name.
-
Unexpected system shutdown
Sudden system shutdown or unexpected file closure may cause your computer to malfunction, leading to discrepancies in the data in hyperlinks.
-
The filename has a # (pound) sign
Always remember that you cannot use a pound sign whenever you create a hyperlink for a file in Excel. This sign is not accepted in hyperlinks and may cause the “Cannot open the specified file” error to generate.
Part 2: How to Fix Hyperlinks Not Working Issue?
Since now you have learned about what is hyperlinks and what causes the error to generate, it’s time to unwrap the practical methods to resolve the trouble. Read on to find different methods to fix the hyperlinks not working error in Excel, Word, and Powerpoint.
In Excel
Method 1: Enable the option to save hyperlinks
Excel features an in-built option to update hyperlinks every time the workbook is saved. Follow the steps mentioned below to enable that option.
-
Go to File > Options > Advanced.
-
Locate the General tab and tap on the “Web Options.”
-
After that, click on the Files and tick the checkbox that says “Update Links on Save.”
-
Click on Ok and you are done.
Method 2: Link to the renamed file
Sometimes, the error appears when the file name in the hyperlink is different from the actual name. In that case, you can ensure that links in the Excel file are updated and points to the renamed file. Follow the instructions to carry out the process.
-
Right-click the hyperlink and click on the “Edit the hyperlink” option.
-
In the hyperlink address, replace the current filename with the renamed one and click Ok to save.
In Word
Method 1: Disable the “Show Field Codes Instead Of Their Values” box
Here’re the steps to carry out this process.
-
Go to Files > Options > Advanced.
-
Scroll down the page and locate the “Show Document Content” option.
-
Untick the “Show Field Codes instead of their values” checkbox and see if it helps in fixing the hyperlink
Method 2: Re-insert the hyperlink
Sometimes, the hyperlink doesn’t work due to misspellings. Make sure you have entered the link correctly and completed it.
-
Right-click the hyperlink and open the dialog box of the “Edit Hyperlink.”
-
There, you will get the options to edit, remove, open, or copy the link.
-
Check if the spelling is Ok or the link is complete to resolve the error.
In PowerPoint
Method 1: Reset the hyperlink
The hyperlink not working error arises when the link gets broken or the file to which is it linked has been deleted or moved. In that case, you can simply need to reset the hyperlink. Follow the steps to execute the process.
-
Ensure you can access the file or slide you want to hyperlink to.
-
Select your hyperlinked text or object.
-
Open the “Insert Hyperlink” dialog box.
-
Reset the link to the correct slide, document, or location,
-
Click ok to save the changes.
Part 3: The Ultimate Solution to Tackle All These File Problems – Wondershare Repairit
Are you still facing the hyperlink issue and wondering about how to get rid of it? Try Wondershare Repairit and resolve all file problems on the go. It is the ultimate solution to repair files from any device regardless of the level of damage. Add this third-party application to your app drawer and troubleshoot the hyperlink not working error in no time.
-
Repair damaged files with all levels of corruption, including blank files, files not opening, unrecognizable format, unreadable content, files layout changed, etc.
-
Support to repair all formats of PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe files.
-
Perfectly repair corrupted files with a very high success rate, without modifying the original file.
-
Support Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, and macOS 10.10~macOS 14.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Use Wondershare Repairit
Step 1: Load the corrupted file
-
Download and launch the application on your system. Go to the File Repair section on the left side.
-
Tap on the “Add” button and navigate to the location where corrupted files are saved. You can select multiple documents and load them on Repairit.
-
The tool will generate a prompt if try to upload any incompatible format.
Step 2: Initiate the repairing process
-
Once the file is added, click on the Repair button at the bottom to initiate the process. The tool will scan all the files and fix all kinds of issues.
-
The users can check the progress of the repairing process on the screen and can even cancel it during the ongoing process.
-
Once the process completes, the tool will let you know by displaying the relevant prompt.
Step 3: Preview and Save
-
Tap on the “Preview” button located adjacent to the repaired files. You can check the results before saving any document.
-
Click the Save button if you are satisfied with the repaired files. Click on the “Save All” button to export all repaired files to the designated folder at once.
Website users can also rely on Repairit file repair online tool as the all-in-one online solution for document file repair.
Closing Words
The blog outlines the major reasons that trigger the hyperlink not working error, along with the solutions to fix the hyperlink issue. We hope our guide will help you resolve the trouble while allowing you to access hyperlinks easily. Broken links are one of the common and annoying issues that appear in word/ excel/ PowerPoint files.
But the best thing is that you can fix it without putting in much effort. All the solutions listed above are capable of resolving the error. However, if nothing works or takes longer than usual, try Wondershare Repairit to restore the hyperlinks and save the result in a new file without interfering with worksheet properties. This tool is highly reliable and can fix errors in three easy steps.
