Hello,

I need a process to install updated addin files (about 5 of them ) from
server to local machine each time excel ( version 2003) is started. This is
for about 30 users.

Objective is to have addin files from the server always copied to excel
start up path so that each user has the latest addin on their machine. if the
copying process fails then roll back the entire copy.

I am thinking of running a batch file (.BAT) during Excel start up ( I have
seen this process in place) but does not know how to start a batch file from
excel start up such that it copies all the addins and each addin should load
during same start up creating custom menus.

Any suggestions /alternate solutions are welcome.

Thanks in advance

Nayan

Nayan,

Place the .xla in the
C:\document and
settings\username\application\microsoft\excel\xlst art\blabla.xla

that xla must has code that installing or copying another file to it's path.

for custom menu see in www.jkp-ads.com

--

Regards,

Halim


"Nayan" wrote:

Hello,

I need a process to install updated addin files (about 5 of them ) from
server to local machine each time excel ( version 2003) is started. This is
for about 30 users.

Objective is to have addin files from the server always copied to excel
start up path so that each user has the latest addin on their machine. if the
copying process fails then roll back the entire copy.

I am thinking of running a batch file (.BAT) during Excel start up ( I have
seen this process in place) but does not know how to start a batch file from
excel start up such that it copies all the addins and each addin should load
during same start up creating custom menus.

Any suggestions /alternate solutions are welcome.

Thanks in advance

Nayan

Halim,
Thanks for the reply. I already have the addins in start up path.
I need to copy updated addins to this startup path using an external
deploment process.

Are you suggesting to create an addin that copies other addins from the
server?

Thanks again

Nayan

"Halim" wrote:

Nayan,

Place the .xla in the
C:\document and
settings\username\application\microsoft\excel\xlst art\blabla.xla

that xla must has code that installing or copying another file to it's path.

for custom menu see in www.jkp-ads.com

--

Regards,

Halim


"Nayan" wrote:

Hello,

I need a process to install updated addin files (about 5 of them ) from
server to local machine each time excel ( version 2003) is started. This is
for about 30 users.

Objective is to have addin files from the server always copied to excel
start up path so that each user has the latest addin on their machine. if the
copying process fails then roll back the entire copy.

I am thinking of running a batch file (.BAT) during Excel start up ( I have
seen this process in place) but does not know how to start a batch file from
excel start up such that it copies all the addins and each addin should load
during same start up creating custom menus.

Any suggestions /alternate solutions are welcome.

Thanks in advance

Nayan

So that we're on the same page ...

Addins don't go in the start up directory, or the local directory,
they go in the add-ins directory.

Actually, they can be put almost anywhere you choose. You just have
to tell EXCEL where to find it if you want to use it (i.e. "Browse").
For personal use, the add-ins directory is usually the best choice, so
they are all in one spot. But there can be reasons not to put them
there.

On Jun 11, 11:16 am, "
wrote:
So that we're on the same page ...

Addins don't go in the start up directory, or the local directory,
they go in the add-ins directory.

Question -- Do you plan to share workbooks that use any add-in
formulas? If so, you'll want all machines to have the add-in in the
same location. That's because when you save a workbook that uses a
formula from an add-in, the location of the add-in is saved with the
function. If the workbook is then opened on another machine where the
add-in is located elsewhere, you get various warning messages and
dialogs that need to be completed in order to update the links. How
many difficulties this causes will also depend on the version of EXCEL
you're running. The add-in loading process when opening a workbook
varies from version to version.

On Jun 10, 7:44 pm, Nayan wrote:

I need a process to install updated addin files (about 5 of them ) from
server to local machine each time excel ( version 2003) is started. This is
for about 30 users.

Objective is to have addin files from the server always copied to excel
start up path so that each user has the latest addin on their machine. if the
copying process fails then roll back the entire copy.

Randy,

Thanks for the reply. I completely agree with you that addins can be stored
any where you need them.

I have several solutions developed where addin was copied to a custom
location.

In this case add in is copied at the same location for all the user as the
deployment is done by a batch file running from windows startup. The same
batch file runs for all the users.

Requirement here is to eliminate forced rebooting of user machine to obtain
latest version of addin on their mahcine.

Thanks,

Nayan
"Randy Harmelink" wrote:

Question -- Do you plan to share workbooks that use any add-in
formulas? If so, you'll want all machines to have the add-in in the
same location. That's because when you save a workbook that uses a
formula from an add-in, the location of the add-in is saved with the
function. If the workbook is then opened on another machine where the
add-in is located elsewhere, you get various warning messages and
dialogs that need to be completed in order to update the links. How
many difficulties this causes will also depend on the version of EXCEL
you're running. The add-in loading process when opening a workbook
varies from version to version.

On Jun 10, 7:44 pm, Nayan wrote:

I need a process to install updated addin files (about 5 of them ) from
server to local machine each time excel ( version 2003) is started. This is
for about 30 users.

Objective is to have addin files from the server always copied to excel
start up path so that each user has the latest addin on their machine. if the
copying process fails then roll back the entire copy.

Hi Nayan,

One possible solution:
What we do here is store the add-ins on the network server and have
everyone's Addins Manager point to it there. You will have to make sure that
Excel doesn't try to copy the file to the user's local addins folder.
Otherwise, this does make updating a lot simpler.

hth
Garry

Garry,

Thanks for the reply.

Can I replace the addins on server while Addins Manager from all user
machine point to the server?

We update this addins VBA code frequently and need to provide updated addins
to users.

Thanks

Nayan

"GS" wrote:

Hi Nayan,

One possible solution:
What we do here is store the add-ins on the network server and have
everyone's Addins Manager point to it there. You will have to make sure that
Excel doesn't try to copy the file to the user's local addins folder.
Otherwise, this does make updating a lot simpler.

hth
Garry

Hi Nayan,

Yes! All users will be using the same addin file from the server location.
You don't have to distribute anything to anyone's local machine. You may not
be able to replace/overwrite the file while other users have it open, but
that's only a matter of time management. Just schedule the update for when
users aren't going to have the file open. (You can not replace/overwrite
files while they are "in use" while distributing either)

You should have it located locally on your own machine so you can make
revisions as/when it's convenient for you to do so. Then copy it to the
server when your ready for users to use the revised version.

If the addin uses a specific workbook (other than the addin) or any other
files for anything, they may have to be shared if more than one user will
have it open at the same time.

This assumes the addin is a .XLA file, and all related files are stored in
the same folder. Note that users must have access permission to the network
folder.

hth
Garry
---

"Nayan" wrote:

Garry,

Thanks for the reply.

Can I replace the addins on server while Addins Manager from all user
machine point to the server?

We update this addins VBA code frequently and need to provide updated addins
to users.

Thanks

Nayan

"GS" wrote:

Hi Nayan,

One possible solution:
What we do here is store the add-ins on the network server and have
everyone's Addins Manager point to it there. You will have to make sure that
Excel doesn't try to copy the file to the user's local addins folder.
Otherwise, this does make updating a lot simpler.

hth
Garry

Thanks Garry,

I will take a shot at this.

-Nayan



"GS" wrote:

Hi Nayan,

Yes! All users will be using the same addin file from the server location.
You don't have to distribute anything to anyone's local machine. You may not
be able to replace/overwrite the file while other users have it open, but
that's only a matter of time management. Just schedule the update for when
users aren't going to have the file open. (You can not replace/overwrite
files while they are "in use" while distributing either)

You should have it located locally on your own machine so you can make
revisions as/when it's convenient for you to do so. Then copy it to the
server when your ready for users to use the revised version.

If the addin uses a specific workbook (other than the addin) or any other
files for anything, they may have to be shared if more than one user will
have it open at the same time.

This assumes the addin is a .XLA file, and all related files are stored in
the same folder. Note that users must have access permission to the network
folder.

hth
Garry
---

"Nayan" wrote:

Garry,

Thanks for the reply.

Can I replace the addins on server while Addins Manager from all user
machine point to the server?

We update this addins VBA code frequently and need to provide updated addins
to users.

Thanks

Nayan

"GS" wrote:

Hi Nayan,

One possible solution:
What we do here is store the add-ins on the network server and have
everyone's Addins Manager point to it there. You will have to make sure that
Excel doesn't try to copy the file to the user's local addins folder.
Otherwise, this does make updating a lot simpler.

hth
Garry

An alternative solution you may want to take a look at -- "Updating An
add-in Through the Internet":

http://www.jkp-ads.com/articles/updateanaddin.asp

There may be some techniques there that would be of use.

On Jun 11, 5:41 pm, Nayan wrote:

Can I replace the addins on server while Addins Manager from all user
machine point to the server?

We update this addins VBA code frequently and need to provide updated addins
to users.

If you're going down that road, why not put your addin VB in an XML
file and read the XML off the web?

I fathom you'd end up with code much simpler than that posted
http://www.jkp-ads.com/articles/updateanaddin.asp .

I recommend against using a solution that stores addins in a public
place.

I also recommend against using a solution where an installation script
goes into user's computers and stores addins on their computers
without their knowing it.

I advise a system where the latest addin is stored on a shared drive
and users are trained to install it in Excel's addin directory.

I know you are considering one of the two solutions I recommend
against.

I'm warning you now ... the road to hell starts out with good
intensions.

Here goes:

1. You shouldn't deviate from the default way Excel looks for addins
which allow users to find them in Excel's menu and attach and unattach
them.

2. A user might make changes to the public addin that require saving,
and you don't want users overwriting stuff. And you don't want to
force upon the users the requirement that they can't save the addin
because that may restrict functionality that you might later want to
build into the addin.

3. A bad release will screw up every user. A single hosed release
could result in your getting a reputation as sloppy developer. Not
only that, but you could lose your job if somehow users can use Excel.

4. You end up with a deployment system where no one knows for certain
if they recieved the latest release. What happens if someone turns
off their computer and they didn't get the latest release?

I recommend that you train users on how to install add-ins onto their
own computers and that you notify them by email when new changes are
available. This gives users the opportunity to save the old add in and
try the new one before staying with it. It keeps users informed that
you are improving the addin code.

It may be a hassle training the users, but in the long run then end up
learning a little about VBA, addins, and will better appreciate your
work.