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Using Cell references in file paths for formulas to create dynamic formulas

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    Using Cell references in file paths for formulas to create dynamic formulas

    I am facing some ridiculous deadlines on a few major projects and really need some help here. I am using a lot of linked reports that have to be rewritten each month. For example smaller formulas look like this:

    =('S:\PUBLIC\Production\Job Cards\MOLDING\2013\11 November\[440A SIDE SPOILER JOB CARD.xls]Production Parts'!B$228*2)+'S:\PUBLIC\Production\Job Cards\MOLDING\2013\11 November\[440A SIDE SPOILER JOB CARD.xls]Production Parts'!B$262+'S:\PUBLIC\Production\Job Cards\MOLDING\2013\11 November\[440A SIDE SPOILER JOB CARD.xls]Production Parts'!B$292

    What I want to do is extract the file path from the above formula and make it a composite of several cell references.

    So what I need is to have a cell where they can change the month and another where we can change the year. So I set up several named cells that look like this:

    _MONTH =11 November
    _YEAR =2013
    _JOBCARD ='S:\PUBLIC\Production\Job Cards\MOLDING\
    _PATH =_JOBCARD & _YEAR &"\" &_MONTH

    I tried several versions, I am hoping for something like this:

    =('_PATH &"\[440A SIDE SPOILER JOB CARD.xls]"Production Parts'!B$228*2)+'_PATH &"\[440A SIDE SPOILER JOB CARD.xls]"Production Parts'!B$262+'_PATH &"\[440A SIDE SPOILER JOB CARD.xls]"Production Parts'!B$292

    Thanks ahead of time for any help.

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    Valued Forum Contributor ratcat's Avatar
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    Re: Using Cell references in file paths for formulas to create dynamic formulas

    G'day and welcome,

    Try adding the Indirect function into your formula.

    Indirect Function Tutorial
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    Re: Using Cell references in file paths for formulas to create dynamic formulas

    I have looked at that formula, however it has two problems from my point of view... The workbooks referred too have to be open, and any work around that requires files to be downloaded and installed which is a major hassle around here. Looking for either something I can use without add-inns or a VBA solution...

    If I have to install some plug ins I will, but really a last resort... Also has anybody created a file using the plug-ins and then opened the file on a system without the plug-ins? Do they still work? (I would guess not) So I would have to have that plug-in installed on every system here, another monumental headache.

    Thanks again folks, hope there are other solutions out there...

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    Forum Guru Jonmo1's Avatar
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    Re: Using Cell references in file paths for formulas to create dynamic formulas

    Yep, indirect requires the source book to be open.

    You can use the Morefunc Addin that will do the same thing as indirect, but will work on a closed book.

    But YES, any pc you open the book on would require the addin to be installed.

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    Forum Expert martindwilson's Avatar
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    Re: Using Cell references in file paths for formulas to create dynamic formulas

    you can use harlan groves pull() function it works ok in excel 2007 (i just tested it) so should probably work in 2010
    http://numbermonger.com/2012/02/11/e...sed-workbooks/
    ok its vba but that can be put in the workbook and stays with it if you email it to some one else no need to embed an add in
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