External workbook links incorectly to file with the same name

[Andrew.Noble]

Hi

I have a workbook (let's call it Output.xlsm) that draws in data through external links from another workbook (Source.xlsm). Both of these workbooks are stored in the same folder location.

I regularly make a copy the folder so that I can work on new scenarios, while maintaining the external links. These links are always relative to the folder location and the file names stay the same.

i.e.
...\Scenario_1\Output.xlsm linked from ...\Scenario_1\Source.xlsm
and the new copied folder:
...\Scenario_2\Output.xlsm linked from ...\Scenario_2\Source.xlsm

The trouble I have is that if I have Source.xlsm of Scenario_1 open, and then open Output.xlsm of Scenario_2, Output.xlsm updates external links from Source.xlsm that is open, rather than the one that it is actually linked to (and currently not open). I don't even have the choice to update links, it just automatically updates them.

My workaround is to ensure that I always open Output.xlsm first - then when I open Source.xlsm the external links in Output.xlsm do not refer to the incorrect file.

Is this normal?