How to Fix Microsoft Forms Links After Moving a SharePoint Folder
Question details
Microsoft Forms connections stop working and display a 'link has been removed' error after the linked Excel file's parent folder is moved in SharePoint.
- Product
- Microsoft Forms, SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user moves a SharePoint folder containing an Excel file that is linked to Microsoft Forms, causing the sync connection to break.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft Forms connection breaks and returns a 'This link has been removed' error because the URL of the linked Excel file has changed.
Ensure you have edit permissions for both the Microsoft Form and the new SharePoint folder location where the Excel file is currently stored.
Update the Excel File Reference in Microsoft Forms
Manually update the connection in Microsoft Forms to point to the new location of your Excel file in SharePoint.
When you move a folder in SharePoint, its URL changes. Since Microsoft Forms relies on the exact file path to sync responses, you must re-establish this connection to resolve the 'This link has been removed' error.
Log in to Microsoft Forms and click on the specific form that is experiencing the broken link issue.
Click the 'Responses' tab located at the top of the form editor to view your current data connection.
Click the 'Open in Excel' button. When prompted with the error or asked to locate the file, navigate through the prompts to select the Excel file from its new SharePoint directory.
Click the 'Preview' button at the top right, submit a test response, and verify that the new data appears in the Excel file at the new SharePoint location.
Looking for a Seamless Office Alternative? Try WPS Office
While WPS Office does not directly manage Microsoft Forms or SharePoint server links, it offers a lightweight, free, and highly compatible alternative for managing all your spreadsheets, documents, and presentations.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free software suite for your operating system.
- 2. Open your files: Launch WPS Spreadsheet to seamlessly open, view, and edit your existing Excel workbooks.
- 3. Save and collaborate: Save your work locally or upload it to WPS Cloud for easy access and collaboration across all your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do SharePoint links break when moving folders?
SharePoint generates links based on the file's exact path. When a folder is moved, the path (URL) changes, which breaks any external connections like Microsoft Forms that still reference the old URL.
Can I move a SharePoint folder without breaking the Microsoft Forms link?
Currently, moving a folder that contains an Excel workbook linked to Microsoft Forms will always change its URL. You must re-link the form to the new destination manually.
How do I test if my Microsoft Forms connection is working?
Open your form in preview mode, submit a test response, and then check the linked Excel file in SharePoint. If the new entry appears immediately, the connection is active.
Does renaming a SharePoint file also break the Forms link?
Yes, renaming the file changes its absolute URL in SharePoint, which can disrupt the connection to Microsoft Forms similar to moving the file's parent folder.
