How to update .xlam file (add-in) while it is in use?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mathieu936
  • Start date Start date
M

Mathieu936

Hi!

I created an add-in in Excel 2007 (tool.xlam). I will have about 75
users using this add-in.

I know if the add-in file is in use (i.e. someone have Excel opened
and the add-in is installed), I can't update the file.

I will have to frequently update my add-in, and I don't want to ask
everyone to close excel to access the file.

Is there a way to share the xlam file or code it in a specific way?

Thanks!
 
I'd try marking the tool.xlam as Readonly using windows Explorer.

But then I'd have to update my copy (in a different location). But that makes
sense to me. I'd be able to test or pause and come back to it without
disturbing anyone.

Then when it's finished, I could change the Readonly mark to read/write and
quickly(!) overwrite the file with my development copy of the addin.

Then mark it readonly once more.

If I recall correctly, I used to do this when we used xl2k. But you'll want to
do some testing to see if it works ok for you.
 
Wow, good idea. It works really fine with Excel 2007.

I just have to put my tool.xlam in read only, and I can replace it
with an updated version of tool.xlam (which must be read only for the
next update)...

I don't have to remove the read only property and quickly overwrite
the file.

Many thanks Dave!
 
It's surprising that you don't have to remove the readonly mark before
overwriting the file with the updated version.

(I'd verify that again <vbg>.)

But glad it worked for you (or some version!).
 
Back
Top