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 All I'd like to do is have a macro check if the add-in installed on a user's machine is out of date, and if it is, auto-update (perhaps using a similar executable file as the one used to install).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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