How do I link workbooks/files?

I work for a security company and I am trying to compile a database of field
interviews that I aquire from people on a day to day basis that I can look up
or reference later on. I'm using Microsoft Excel 2007 to store this
information in a separate file each time. Basically, I want to be able to
recall information that is already stored on another file or Excel workbook
when I type in a value (i.e. name, address, license plate, driver's license
number, etc.) For example; if I need to see if I have delt with a John Doe at
another time, I want to be able to type in the name "John Doe" in the "NAME"
field and pull up that subjects info without having to go through and open
each and every file till I either find a match or don't, while at the same
time, leaving the field open to add new information if there isn't already
any on the subject. As I aquire more and more field interviews, that will
become not only a tedious task but a near imposibility after a numerous files
are aquired so I need a way to quick reference other files. I know there is a
way to link all files in a folder in such a way because I was taught how
years ago and I have since seen it done as well. Obviously, I've forgotten at
this point how to do it however, and I could use some help. If anyone out
there could shed some light I would greatly appreciate it.

Hi 2SAM4

Is there any particular reason why you want to store each interview in a
seperate file? I'm just thinking that a well designed database, whether in
Excel or Access, is the way to do this? Each record should really be a one
liner, unless you want to also use a mem field. You would then save a lot of
disk space, and also be a lot easier to extract relevant data, since you have
everything at hand. Not trying to be clever here, just wondering from own
experience as a Security Manager.

--
HTH

Kassie

Replace xxx with hotmail


"2SAM4" wrote:

I work for a security company and I am trying to compile a database of field
interviews that I aquire from people on a day to day basis that I can look up
or reference later on. I'm using Microsoft Excel 2007 to store this
information in a separate file each time. Basically, I want to be able to
recall information that is already stored on another file or Excel workbook
when I type in a value (i.e. name, address, license plate, driver's license
number, etc.) For example; if I need to see if I have delt with a John Doe at
another time, I want to be able to type in the name "John Doe" in the "NAME"
field and pull up that subjects info without having to go through and open
each and every file till I either find a match or don't, while at the same
time, leaving the field open to add new information if there isn't already
any on the subject. As I aquire more and more field interviews, that will
become not only a tedious task but a near imposibility after a numerous files
are aquired so I need a way to quick reference other files. I know there is a
way to link all files in a folder in such a way because I was taught how
years ago and I have since seen it done as well. Obviously, I've forgotten at
this point how to do it however, and I could use some help. If anyone out
there could shed some light I would greatly appreciate it.