Leading the way in Microsoft Office Development

Step 1 - Loading an Excel Add-in

There are actually five different ways you can load an Excel add-in:

1) Using the (Tools > Add-ins) dialog box.

2) Copying the add-in to your xlstart directory.

3) Copying the add-in file to your "at startup, open all files in" folder location. Defined by (Tools > Options)(General tab).

4) Double clicking the add-in file or using the (File > Open) dialog box.

5) Using a Startup Switch.

Step 1 - Display the Add-ins dialog box

Display the (Tools > Add-ins) dialog box.

 (Tools > Add-ins) dialog box

Browse - Displays a dialog box allowing you to browse for an additional Excel add-in.

Automation - Displays another dialog box that lists all registered COM automation servers available on the system.

Step 2 - Install the Add-in

If the add-in you want to install is already in the list then tick the corresponding check box.

Press "OK" to install this add-in.

If you install an additional add-in the changes are not saved until you actually close Excel completely.

Step 3 - Locate the Add-in

If the add-in you want to install is not in the list then select the "Browse" button to browse for the (".xla") file.

It will then be added to the list in alphabetical order.

Make sure that the check box is ticked and then press "OK".

Step 4 - Things to Remember

If you double click an add-in (in Windows Explorer) or open it through the (File > Open) dialog box, the add-in is loaded but is not properly installed. The add-in will not be available the next time you open Excel.

Be aware that the more add-ins you have installed the more memory is needed and the longer Excel will take to open. It is worth uninstalling any add-ins that you do not use.

It is also possible to always load an Excel add-in without using the (Tools > Add-ins) dialog box. Add the following to the Excel application switch path, e.g. /LS:\Personal\Excel\Automation\Useful.xla (note no speech marks).

If you saved your add-in in a folder that is different to the default "Add-ins" folder then you will be prompted with a message asking you if you want to make a copy of the add-in and save it in the default add-ins folder. This is only applicable to Excel 97.