Hi Paul,
The option you mentiond about using the hyperlink function i.s.o. a direct hyperlink looks very promising. I ran a quick test and it looks like it is working the way I want it. With the hyperlink function, file3 is opened and becomes the activated window while file1 stays in the background. file2 is not needed this way and that would be perfect. I need to test it in the actual file where we want the link but since I don't have rights to modify this file myself, this has to wait till friday when my colleague is back. I'l let you know what the outcome will be.
So far I want to thank you for your time to help me.

Best regards,
Gerard