Keith’s Training Hub

LESSON 13 OF 16 · ABOUT 15 MINUTES

Inspect, repair and safely remove a link

Decide whether to refresh, change a source or keep a value-only snapshot.

Need the practice files?

Keep using your working copy if you have started the programme.

Practice workbook (.xlsx)

Learn the skill

A broken link is a source problem, not permission to choose a similar-looking file. Breaking links replaces formulas with values.

Worked example

In current Windows Excel, Data > Queries & Connections > Workbook Links opens the link pane. Older versions may show Edit Links.

The intended source is your fictional excel-intermediate-source.xlsx, Rates!B2.

A value-only copy can keep 10% and £220, but it will no longer follow future source changes.

Follow these steps

  1. Inspect the workbook-link pane in your practice copy. Confirm the exact source.
  2. If a source has moved, locate the verified original before using Change Source. Do not guess.
  3. Refresh only a known, trusted source allowed by your organisation.
  4. For a removal exercise, first save another copy named value-only-practice.xlsx.
  5. Break only the synthetic workbook link in that extra copy. Read the warning. Check that B6 is a value, B7 still gives £220 and the source link is absent.

Try it yourself

Write a three-line handover: source file and cell, the checked rate, and whether the result remains linked or is a dated snapshot.

Check your practical result
  • Linked and value-only copies are clearly distinguished.
  • The original linked practice copy is retained.
  • You understand a snapshot will not refresh.

This is your own review, not an automatic inspection of Excel.

If it does not work

Do not rely on Undo to recover a broken workbook link. Keep an untouched copy first. If no link pane exists, use the worked example instead of changing security settings.

Optional knowledge check

This check is for practice. It is not saved or required to continue.

What is the main consequence of Break Links?

Continue whenever you are ready. No test or recorded score is required.

Course guide and Microsoft helpDownload the whole course guide (.txt)

Steps primarily use Microsoft 365 desktop Excel for Windows. Other versions can differ. Formulas use English names and commas; your region may use semicolons. Work only on the fictional practice copies.

Microsoft: Manage workbook links (opens in a new tab). Guidance checked 3 November 2026.

Browser knowledge checks do not execute Excel. This programme does not change your saved progress in other courses.

All 16 lessons and the day programme

Welcome and setup: 09:30–09:40. Evaluation and close: 16:15–16:30.

The four session windows match the supplied programme. Lesson times below are approximate independent practice times. Facilitators can use the remaining time for demonstrations, questions and breaks, including lunch within Session 2.

SESSION 1 · 09:40–11:40

More functions

Count, total, classify and work with dates.

  1. Count matching orders with COUNTIF · 15 min
  2. Add matching costs with SUMIF · 15 min
  3. Use IF to label a result · 15 min
  4. Use TODAY without losing a reporting date · 15 min

SESSION 2 · 11:40–14:30

Managing datasets

Keep records together, find what matters and control new entries.

  1. Sort whole records safely · 15 min
  2. Sort by team, then amount · 15 min
  3. Put priorities in a custom order · 15 min
  4. Filter a list and restore every row · 15 min
  5. Make a safe dropdown with data validation · 20 min

SESSION 3 · 14:30–15:30

Linking

Reuse values across cells, sheets and files with clear checks.

  1. Link cells instead of retyping · 10 min
  2. Link sheets inside one workbook · 10 min
  3. Link a value from another file · 15 min
  4. Inspect, repair and safely remove a link · 15 min

SESSION 4 · 15:30–16:15

Charts

Choose a chart, label it and improve its design.

  1. Choose a chart for the question · 15 min
  2. Label the chart so someone else can read it · 15 min
  3. Improve the design without changing the message · 15 min

Final practical task and evaluation →