Common questions about Cross-Table Reference on Windows usually involve file access, reference ranges, and refresh behavior; this FAQ includes 4 common questions and a 4-term glossary.
FAQ
Why does WPS say it cannot find the file when I reference another spreadsheet?
- Confirm that the source file is still saved in its original location.
- Check whether your current account has permission to access the file, especially for shared or team files.
- If the file was moved or renamed, use Change Cross-Table Reference to point to the correct file again.
Can Cross-Table Reference use non-spreadsheet files?
- Cross-Table Reference is intended for spreadsheet files that support data retrieval.
- Do not use text documents or presentation files as the reference target.
- If you need to reference data, move the content into a supported spreadsheet file first.
What should I do if the linked data does not update?
- Open the Formulas tab.
- Select Cross-Table Reference → Update Reference.
- If the result still does not refresh, check whether the source file has been saved with the latest content and whether the current file can still access it.
Why can’t I reference a new file that has not been saved yet?
- Save the source spreadsheet file first.
- Make sure the file is stored in an accessible location, such as a valid local path or an online document location.
- Return to the destination file and insert the cross-table reference again.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cross-Table Reference | A way to reference cells or ranges from another spreadsheet file in the current workbook. |
| Reference range | The cell or area that the current formula reads from the source file. |
| Source file | The spreadsheet file that provides the referenced data. |
| Update Reference | The action that refreshes returned values by reading the latest data from the source file again. |