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Forum Discussion
embedding links into microsoft word documents
I am new to drop box and giving it a test run for work so forgive me if this is a newbie question.... I would like to create a document in word that has multiple links in it to other word or PDF documents. In this way, I can have a document that is clear and simple, but we will be able to easily access detailed information when needed. I would like to have the primary document, and all the link documents, in drop box so that when I share it with others, they will be able to click through the links to reach the secondary document. Is there a simple way to do this?
Thanks!
Lizthewizz wrote:
I would like to have the primary document, and all the link documents, in drop box so that when I share it with others, they will be able to click through the links to reach the secondary document. Is there a simple way to do this?
No, there isn't, and it's due to how Microsoft creates the links to the documents.
When you link to another file or object in an Office document, the full path to that file is used in the link. Let's assume for a minute that you're on Windows, your Dropbox folder is in its deafult location, and the files that you're linking to are in a shared folder called Docs. The full path to one of those files would look like this:
C:\Users\Lizthewizz\Dropbox\Docs\File.pdf
You could create a Word document and link to that file easily, and it would work just fine for you. The problem comes when you share it or try to use it on another computer. Let's assume the same details for me. The full path to that file on my computer would be:
C:\User\Rich\Dropbox\Docs\File.pdf
When I open the Word document you created that contains the link to the PDF, Word on my computer would be looking for it in the same path as yours, meaning under the Lizthewizz folder, when the file on my computer is actually located under the Rich folder. The link would fail because Word can't find the file. And this doesn't even get into the fact that I can move or rename your shared folder on my computer without it changing on yours, so the full path on mine could be completely different.
The only way to make it work is if everyone stores their Dropbox folder in the exact same location, such as C:\Dropbox, and doesn't move or rename the shared folder where the documents exist.
- Rich
Super User II
Lizthewizz wrote:
I would like to have the primary document, and all the link documents, in drop box so that when I share it with others, they will be able to click through the links to reach the secondary document. Is there a simple way to do this?
No, there isn't, and it's due to how Microsoft creates the links to the documents.
When you link to another file or object in an Office document, the full path to that file is used in the link. Let's assume for a minute that you're on Windows, your Dropbox folder is in its deafult location, and the files that you're linking to are in a shared folder called Docs. The full path to one of those files would look like this:
C:\Users\Lizthewizz\Dropbox\Docs\File.pdf
You could create a Word document and link to that file easily, and it would work just fine for you. The problem comes when you share it or try to use it on another computer. Let's assume the same details for me. The full path to that file on my computer would be:
C:\User\Rich\Dropbox\Docs\File.pdf
When I open the Word document you created that contains the link to the PDF, Word on my computer would be looking for it in the same path as yours, meaning under the Lizthewizz folder, when the file on my computer is actually located under the Rich folder. The link would fail because Word can't find the file. And this doesn't even get into the fact that I can move or rename your shared folder on my computer without it changing on yours, so the full path on mine could be completely different.
The only way to make it work is if everyone stores their Dropbox folder in the exact same location, such as C:\Dropbox, and doesn't move or rename the shared folder where the documents exist.
Is this still the case with trying to add links within a Microsoft doc? Thanks!
I know this is an old answer but I have a similar question - we are trying to create a word doc with links to our dropbox but I can't get the links to work. Our organization all has access to/permissions to use the files I'm trying to link. I am thinking there is a simple way to place links in a word doc but I'm missing something. Can you help?
