Updating charts when data source is in a different file

I have two files: data in one, chart in another. If I open the chart file,
the chart appears warped (dates appear in reverse or in numeric form, data
line goes flat etc etc) unless I have the data file open, then it corrects
itself. I have 50 data source documents linked into one chart file so its
tough for me to have all the data files open at the same time. Anyway to make
sure the chart does not adjust when I close the data source file? Thanks!

Sarah

This maybe a simple work around for you.

Open your chart and data files and let the chart update. Now click the
series (or series) in your chart and in the formula bar should appear a
formula for the series that you have selected e.g.

=SERIES(,$A$1:$C$10,1)

Now click anywhere in the formula bar (where the SERIES formula is) and
press <F9>.

This will convert the series range to an array. This will effectively sever
the connection between your data and chart i.e. your chart is now a 'dead
chart'.

This will allow you to see the chart you want without the 50+ data files open.

A word of caution. Once you have finished the work it is better not to the
save the chart with the array formulas as it may not update next time.

What I would do is open my chart and data files, update my chart, create the
'dead chart' and save it to a new workbook. Then close your original chart
and data files without saving. That will ensure they will function correctly
next time you need to update your charts.

Hope this help. I'd be interested to hear if this worked out for you.

Regards


Alex

"Sarah" wrote:

> I have two files: data in one, chart in another. If I open the chart file,
> the chart appears warped (dates appear in reverse or in numeric form, data
> line goes flat etc etc) unless I have the data file open, then it corrects
> itself. I have 50 data source documents linked into one chart file so its
> tough for me to have all the data files open at the same time. Anyway to make
> sure the chart does not adjust when I close the data source file? Thanks!