Hyperlinks to some images on the web are slow to open

[mdbrownarch]

We are building a cloud-based solution with an Excel file export. This file contains hyperlinks to open photos from our server in a web browser. In Excel 2011 and 2013, I have run into an issue where our hyperlinks to images on the web can take minutes to open. Simple links to Google or specific images such as this dog open in seconds. When I enter the problematic links directly in the browser they open instantaneously. This test leads me to believe Excel is processing the link in some way (security?) prior to opening. Does anyone know what might be happening and a solution?

Here is a sample problematic link format in case the URL string parameters are related:
http://www.somewebsite.com/page/cdn...RNSlqWTMqtm53/1447789624478_cdv_photo_002.jpg

Thanks in advance,
Matt

 

[mdbrownarch]

Solution: Excel preloads images prior to redirecting you to the browser. The larger the image file, the longer you have to wait in Xcel for it to load. I do not understand why MS thinks this is necessary since Xcel is not a browser and no one expects it to be. Thanks for confusing us again MS.