Auto-install & auto-update add-in using executable file

Hello,

I've designed an Excel add-in that I'd like to be able to auto-install and auto-update as new versions come out.

Two questions:

1. What is the best way to design an executable file to auto-install the macro? I've appended the instructions I send to my users below, but I'd like to make the process easier for them and just run a program/file that automates all of those steps below. Is it easiest to write a batch file? I've never done anything like this, so it'd be great to get some outside expertise.
2. How can I have the macro auto-update? I will keep a file called "LatestVersion.xla" on a public server that can be downloaded whenever. All I'd like to do is have a macro check if the add-in installed on a user's machine is out of date, and if it is, auto-update (perhaps using a similar executable file as the one used to install).

Thanks,

Evan

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Instructions for installing the tool:

1. Save the attached .xlam file to your desktop
2. Copy the file (right click, select "copy")
3. Open Excel
4. Go to: File --> Options --> Add-Ins --> Go
5. Click on "Browse" (DO NOT change your default Microsoft/AddIns folder)
6. Paste the file you just copied from your desktop
7. Click OK
8. The toolbar should now load. You can delete the original file from your desktop.

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Originally Posted by shg

Leave the add-in on the network share, read-only. Users can install it from there (not download, just install), and you can update it transparently.

Thanks for your response, Shg.

Two things:

1. I do not have a shared drive. I am going to upload the file to my public Dropbox folder and then allow users to download it from there.
2. This post is asking how to AUTOMATE the process of installation/updating (via an executable file)

Thanks,

Evan