Offset Function referencing another workbook - incomplete calculation

[MJP]

I have a workbook that uses a formula containing the Offset and match
functions. The formula references a second workbook, trying to find a
matching entry in a range of rows, and columns.

This formula works fine if I open the 2nd workbook it is referencing FIRST.
However, if I open the first workbook without the second one open the cell
displays ######. If I then open the 2nd workbook and try to recalc the
formula, I get a message saying that 'Incomplete Calculation'

Do Offset formulas not work with references to other workbooks. I know
Vlookup formulas work, but these won't do in this instance as I am try to
match both the row and the column to get a result from the mid point (e.g.
match row 4, match column d, return value in D4).

I could of course always open the referenced sheet first, but this is clunky
and not really where I want to go with this...any ideas?

Thanks in advance,

Mitch

 

[JMay]

Offset() doesn't work against a closed Workbook.
HTH