I am trying to use the VLOOKUP Function to look up values from different
workbooks. Instead of manually typing in the "table_array", I want the
"table_array" to be specified in a cell, and am trying to use an embedded
Text Function to return the "table_arraray” from that cell.
For example, suppose cell A1 of Workbook 1 specifies the "table_array",
which is contained in Workbook 2, as: 'C:\Example\[Workbook
2.xls]Example'!$A$1:$G$100
The formula that I have been using is: VLOOKUP(B5,TEXT(A1,""),3,FALSE)
However, this returns an error because the TEXT(A1,"") formula returns the
table_array as "'C:\Example\[Workbook 2.xls]Example'!$A$1:$G$100", instead of
the above. This generates an error, because the formula returns parentheses
at the beginning and end of the "table_array" (I can see that by clicking on
"Show Calculation Steps"). I can’t think of a way to remove those
parentheses. Maybe there is a way to use VBA code to create a function that
would return the contents of cell A1 without the parentheses.
If you can think of a way to accomplish this, please let me know. Any
assistance you provide would be GREATLY appreciated.
Magnivy
Don Guillett - 27 Mar 2006 22:38 GMT
have a look in the help index for INDIRECT

Signature
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software
dguillett1@austin.rr.com
>I am trying to use the VLOOKUP Function to look up values from different
> workbooks. Instead of manually typing in the "table_array", I want the
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
>
> Magnivy
Magnivy - 27 Mar 2006 22:45 GMT
I tried to use INDIRECT, but it has the same problem
> have a look in the help index for INDIRECT
>
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> >
> > Magnivy
Don Guillett - 27 Mar 2006 23:07 GMT
Either add an additional ' in front of your text or put " ' " in the
indirect formula
=VLOOKUP(C1,INDIRECT("'"&C2&""),3)
Be advised that indirect will NOT work on a closed workbook.

Signature
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software
dguillett1@austin.rr.com
>I am trying to use the VLOOKUP Function to look up values from different
> workbooks. Instead of manually typing in the "table_array", I want the
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
>
> Magnivy
vane0326 - 28 Mar 2006 04:42 GMT
May I see a sample File*?*

Signature
vane0326
Magnivy - 28 Mar 2006 18:11 GMT
Hey vane0326,
Is it possible to send you a sample file through the forum? I not, Is it
possible to have your email address so I can send you an email file? Please
let me know.
Thanks,
Magnivy
> May I see a sample File*?*
vane0326 - 30 Mar 2006 05:15 GMT
Magnivy Wrote:
> Hey vane0326,
>
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> > View this thread
> http://www.excelforum.com/showthread.php?threadid=526872
When you have a chance attach a small sample file to this thread
Magnivy - 30 Mar 2006 07:29 GMT
Vane0326,
With some effort (and headache, lol), I figured out a way to make it work
using macros. Thanks a lot for responding to my question!
Magnivy
> Magnivy Wrote:
> > Hey vane0326,
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>
> When you have a chance attach a small sample file to this thread.
Don Guillett - 28 Mar 2006 14:13 GMT
03/21/2006
'C:\yourfolder\[yourfile.xls]yoursheet'!$A$7:$H$62
=VLOOKUP(C1,INDIRECT("'"&C2&""),3)
Again, Indirect only works on files that are OPEN. Else #Ref

Signature
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software
dguillett1@austin.rr.com
> Either add an additional ' in front of your text or put " ' " in the
> indirect formula
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>>
>> Magnivy
Magnivy - 28 Mar 2006 18:07 GMT
Don,
Thanks a lot for your help! I have been able to get your formula to work,
but with a slightly different syntex: =VLOOKUP(C1,INDIRECT(C2&""),3). Would
you happen to know of a way to make it work when the source file,
'C:\yourfolder\[yourfile.xls]yoursheet'!$A$7:$H$62 for instance, is closed?
> 03/21/2006
>
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> >>
> >> Magnivy
Don Guillett - 28 Mar 2006 19:48 GMT
right click sheet tab>view code>insert this. Now when you change cell c1, e1
will get the formula.
Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
If Target.Address <> "$C$1" Then Exit Sub
Range("e1").Formula = _
"=vlookup(c1,'" & Range("c2") & ",3)"
End Sub

Signature
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software
dguillett1@austin.rr.com
> Don,
>
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>> >>
>> >> Magnivy