FIX: This document contains links that may refer to other files

The article below will tell you how to fix the “FIX: This document contains links that may refer to other files. Follow the steps carefully and then use the Quick Access Toolbar to change your settings.

If you keep getting the message “This document contains links that may lead to other files” when you try to open or copy a Microsoft Office file, it can be very frustrating. You can’t open or copy the document until you disable the link or find another way around the alert.

You can do both, though. Here’s what you need to do when Microsoft Office tells you “This document contains links that may point to other files.” Word files aren’t just text files; they can also link to websites and folders on your computer.

FIX: This document contains links that may refer to other files

Rename your file

1. Right click on the file containing the error and select Rename.
2. You may try renaming your Word document to see if the issue remains after that.

Updating or breaking your Links

1. Open any Word file and click on the File tab.
2. Select Options found at the lower left corner.
3. Make sure that All Commands is selected when you click on the Quick Access Toolbar.
4. Look for Edit Links to File and click on the Add button.
5. A chain icon should have been added to your Quick Access Toolbar. When you click on this icon, a list of links will show up.
6. Choose these links and set them to “Manual Update” or “Break All Links.”

Troubleshoot

1. Open the file that has a problem.
2. Click on File and then click on Info.
3. Click on Check for Problems, then on Inspect document.
4. Check all the boxes and click “Inspect” to see more problems.
5. When asked, follow the instructions on the screen to fix your file error.

FAQ

How to fix this document has links that may lead to other files?

Open either Word or Excel and go to the File menu. In the new window, choose Options and Advanced. Scroll down to the section called “General,” and then click the box next to “Update automatic links at open.” To save the change, click OK.

How do I use Word to find links to other files?

On the Ribbon, click the File tab, then click Info. Under Related Documents in the bottom right corner of the window, click Edit Links to Files. This command will only show up if you have saved the file and there are links to other sites.

How do I get rid of a link to another Word document?

To get rid of a link while keeping the text, right-click it and click “Remove Hyperlink.” To get rid of the link for good, select it and press the Delete key.