formula referencing another workbook gives #value! error when other workbook is closed

I found this answer:  http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=104582

which basically says you want to put the full path in the file refence:

COUNTIF('[closed_excel_filename.xls]
-->
COUNTIF('[C:\USers\icc\destop\par\closed_excel_filename.xls]

Your first screen shot makes me think this shouldnn't be neccessary, but guess it's worth a shot.  (I have not tested this myself)

Thanks korbus, it already is the full path name. If the child workbook is opened it will not show the path name. If the workbook is closed then excel will automatically show the full path name. I didn't type in the path, I used = and then clicked on the range in the child workbook. So unfortunately this doesn't solve the problem = (

COUNTIF function doesn't work with closed workbooks -

See here for advice from microsoft - they suggest an "array formula" which is another alternative, but SUMPRODUCT doesn't need CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER......so try using SUMPRODUCT like this

=SUMPRODUCT(('[Freddie-PAR Checklist.xls]STP_PTE'!$A$10:$A$65536=C$4)+0)

As you say, you can use that version without the path, if the child worbook is open (but that will still work when that workbook is closed)

regards, barry

whao barry, the formula works like a charm! thanks so much!!

if you don't mind could you explain how the formula works? i read up on sumproduct and it being the summation of the product of the arrays, but the way you're using the formula only has 1 array and you're adding 0.

here's what i understand so far:

('[Freddie-PAR Checklist.xls]STP_PTE'!$A$10:$A$65536=C$4) ------> this part you're using a boolean comparison. since true = 1 and false = 0, we have a number for true

+ 0 --------> you're adding 0 to convert boolean to number

sumproduct(......) -------------> here's where i'm a little lost. you've only got 1 array so how come it gives the right result? could you share barry? thanks so much!!

oh, is it that sumproduct with 1 array means that array multiplied by 1 and summed?

oh and what's the difference between Refresh All and Update Values? thanks!!

fantastic, thanks so much for your help barry!!

and so sorry for my late reply too!!! you're super prompt and i really appreciate barry!! = ))) and great formula by the way!!! = ))