Error in Linked PivotTable Value

I'm not that familiar with excel and pivot tables. I am using a template to assist met. I have entered in my data on a worksheet, created the pivot table then pasted it into a different worksheet in the same document. When I do this I get the #REF! error code. Clicking on it shows me the formula but I do not understand the formula. I don't know what I've done wrong. The pivot table I am pasting over the top of the original is the same size as the original.

I would rewrite the formula like so:

=IFERROR(GETPIVOTDATA("TotalValue",'C:\XLDocs\[MyData.xls]PTable'!$H$15,"EName","Rac"),"Make sure Workbook C:\XLDocs\[MyData.xls is Open")

Not only is this simplified by eliminating the duplicate external reference, but the error message identifies the other worksheet by name.

I agree with Col's approach - iferror() instead of if(iserror()) and this should also help address Kathy's query. It is cleaner, easier to read and easier to edit or modify at a later stage.
The only problem with any of these approaches is that you get a #REF! error in the case that the workbook with the pivot table is closed (which will then be replaced with "Open workbook B" in the example). Unfortunately you get the same error if you try to reference an invalid value from the pivot table as well (e.g. no RAC in Ename as per above example), making it difficult to determine if you are referencing something that is not there or just not open.

Any suggestions on how to distinguish between these two?

You also get ref errors when you have a complex link to a closed file eg sumifs, index or array formula in link. Does anyone have a solution for this?
Because pivots can change, I link with an index or other lookup. Excel needs the file open for this

If using Excel 2007 or later, for the first method it is far better (shorter, cleaner, faster) to use:
=IFERROR( GETPIVOTDATA("TotalValue",'C:XLDocs[MyData.xls]PTable'!$H$15, "EName","Rac"),"Make sure Workbook B is Open")
than
=IF(ISERROR( =GETPIVOTDATA("TotalValue", 'C:XLDocs[MyData.xls]PTable'!$H$15,"EName","Rac")),"Make sure Workbook B is Open", =GETPIVOTDATA(
"TotalValue",'C:XLDocs[MyData.xls]PTable'!$H$15,"EName","Rac"))

If Workbook B is open - being the desired situation - the former formula only executes the GETPIVOTDATA call once, whereas the latter will execute it twice (once to test if B is open, and then a second time to return the result)!

Will the following overcome this problem ?

When you refer to a cell in a Pivot Table Excel defaults to the GETPIVOTDATA formula instead of a normal R1C1-style cell reference (e.g. =D5). This can be turned off to use normal cell referencing:

1) Click on any cell in the PivotTable. From PivotTable Tools click the Options tab;

2) In the PivotTable group, click the small arrow on the right side of the Options command. You will see a checkmark next to the 'Generate GetPivotData' option;

3) Click the 'Generate GetPivotData' to turn the option off.

Note:
a) This is a global setting that remains off for all PivotTables until you turn it on again.
b) If the Pivot Table layout changes the R1C1-style cell reference will not adjust


If this hint works I should credit this Tip to THEEXCELADDICT.COM site

Another solution is to change Calculation Mode to manual and refresh the Pivot Table when you want.

...Please don't do this. Really, it's annoying for everyone else involved.

Can I have a nested IF statement within a GETPIVOTDATA formula?

I'm trying to subtract two numeric fields within one pivot table and return either a positive or negative value....all done within one GETPIVOTDATA formula.

I have two separate GETPIVOTDATA formulas that each return the correct (positive or negative) results.

However I am unable to find a way to combine the logic into one =IF(GETPIVOTDATA... formula.