Workbook-link practice recipe (synthetic data only)

Create rates.xlsx: sheet Data, A1 = 17.
Create fees.xlsx: sheet Data, A1 = 9.
Create report.xlsx: sheet Report.
With the two source workbooks open, set:
B2 = '[rates.xlsx]Data'!A1*2 (include = at the beginning)
B3 = '[fees.xlsx]Data'!A1*3 (include = at the beginning)
B4 = SUM(B2:B3) (include = at the beginning)
Expected amounts: B2 34, B3 27, B4 61.
Save a separate report snapshot before breaking anything.
Review the Workbook Links list and break rates.xlsx only.
Expected: B2 constant 34, B3 still an external formula, B4 still SUM(B2:B3).
Change the open rates source A1 to 23 and recalculate.
The broken B2 should remain 34.
Break fees.xlsx and save the snapshot.
Close both sources and the snapshot. Reopen the snapshot without refreshing.
Expected: B2 constant 34, B3 constant 27, B4 still SUM(B2:B3), value 61.

Recorded on Windows Excel 16.0 build 20430, October 7, 2026, through native automation.
The Workbook Links and Document Inspector interfaces were not independently tested.
No names, charts, shapes, queries or service connections were included.
Source workbooks were closed, not moved or deleted; reopening used UpdateLinks=0.
A workbook with queries or hidden content requires its own separate review.