asked on Linked excel files - server migration
I'm in the process of migrating data from a Win 2003 server to a new server.
I have already migrated a lot of the shares using Robocopy but leaving the mother of all shares until last (that I am rapidly approaching!) due to it's size and complexity.
The share contains lots of complex excel sheets which usually wouldn't be a problem with Robocopy but some of them have active links to other spreadsheets (within the same share)
My question is, when I use Robocopy to migrate this volume. When it's live on the new server (with a different server name) will the links in excel need to be re-established as they are looking at a file path that contains the old server name?
I'd like to establish this prior to migration as if the links will be lost then I need to notify the teams! Unless there is a way around it or a tool I could use?
Thanks
I have already migrated a lot of the shares using Robocopy but leaving the mother of all shares until last (that I am rapidly approaching!) due to it's size and complexity.
The share contains lots of complex excel sheets which usually wouldn't be a problem with Robocopy but some of them have active links to other spreadsheets (within the same share)
My question is, when I use Robocopy to migrate this volume. When it's live on the new server (with a different server name) will the links in excel need to be re-established as they are looking at a file path that contains the old server name?
I'd like to establish this prior to migration as if the links will be lost then I need to notify the teams! Unless there is a way around it or a tool I could use?
Thanks
Windows Server 2008Microsoft Excel
Last Comment
Danny Child
Similar issue here seemed to resolve without incident.
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/26599008/Prevent-Excel-from-swapping-mapped-drives-to-UNC-paths.html
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/26599008/Prevent-Excel-from-swapping-mapped-drives-to-UNC-paths.html
ASKER
Thanks DanCh99, I'll give it a go tomorrow and report back!
I had a similar exercise a number of years ago when changing the folder structure on a server, basically needed to move all folders and subfolders down a level.
I just moved (cut & paste) within Explorer and all the links moved fine. As DanCh99 says, the links may look like they are using Drive letters but I believe they use the relative UNC path behind the scenes; if one file is linked to another file that is three levels up, then a folder at that level and three levels down; each of those with the same folder names, the link should stay relative.
Thanks
Rob
I just moved (cut & paste) within Explorer and all the links moved fine. As DanCh99 says, the links may look like they are using Drive letters but I believe they use the relative UNC path behind the scenes; if one file is linked to another file that is three levels up, then a folder at that level and three levels down; each of those with the same folder names, the link should stay relative.
Thanks
Rob
ASKER
so despite the server names being different, it's should really matter as Robocopy will move the files and folders over with identical folder structure and permissions?
As Dan says, try with a sample first before doing the whole lot.
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Here's an example from a random sheet of mine:
=VLOOKUP(A306,'T:\IT\[File
which is then shortened once that file is opened:
=VLOOKUP(A306,'[FileName.x
So, if your folder structure is the same, and your drive mappings are the same, you should be fine.
Excel CAN work with UNC paths - \\Server\Share\Filename.xl
More info here.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328440
I'd suggest asking your most knowledgeable and old-time Excel users to suggest a typically large and evil set of sheets, and to try a sample robocopy of that branch of your folder tree only.