pivot table question

[Mike1]

A co-worker of mine set up a pivot table using data saved on an external data source on a shared drive. I would like to create a similar pivot table myself, linked to his pivot table so when he gets updated data, my pivot table also will update accordingly. My question has to do with the pivot table data source. How do I copy the connection? Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Mike

 

[Jerry Sullivan]

Hi Mike,

Do you want to link directly to the same source as your co-worker, or link to your co-worker's workbook?

The former will give you more up-to-date data then your co-worker if s/he hasn't refreshed the connection which may or may not be what you want.

What type of data source is your External Data Source (an Excel file or something else)?

 

[Mike1]

Linking directly to their data source probably makes the most sense. As far as what kind of file is it... is the best way to find that out by hitting change data source, then right click on the connection, then look at the connection file? If so, it is a file located on his "my documents file" and has a .odc ending.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Jerry Sullivan]

Mike,

You can copy the Office Data Connection (.odc) file from his MyDocuments to a location on your computer.
Then add a connection on your computer. For Excel 2007 and 2010 the steps would be:

With your workbook open, from the Ribbon > Data > Connections > Add....> Browse for More > (select the .odc file) > Close

Now that the Data Connection is setup in your Workbook, you can use it as a PivotTable data source.