Excel to open, close, save by itself?

[malkhazov]

I download market data every trading day after 3pm from Bloomberg into an Excel spreadsheet that I use as a template. When I open the template the DDE server (this is the link between the Bloomber terminal and Excel) automatically populates all the data points. I copy and paste as values all the data (so there are no more formulas and links, just values) and save the spreadsheet as a new file with a new name.

I am trying to automate this process and have several questions, any imput would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you can suggest a book that would have answeres to these question that would also be appreciated.

Q1) is there a way to get Excel to open itself on my destop (I am not sure but I think the new Windows XP can be programed to open specific programs at specific times)

Q2) if Excel is open on my destop, is there a way I can program it to open a specific file at a specific time of day and on specific dates

Q3) if I write a simple macro to copy and paste, is there a way I can program Excel to run the macro automatically

Q4) if Q1, 2, and 3 are completed, can Excel save a file by itself and name it with the current date

 

[Glaswegian]

Welcome to the Board!

Q1. Yes, you can use Scheduled Tasks to set Excel to open. From the Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Scheduled Tasks.

Q2/3. Yes - as long as Excel is open then you could put a macro in your personal macro workbook (Personal.xls) to open a specific file or run another macro at a specific time. Personal.xls opens when Excel opens. To give you some ideas, have a look in the Help files for the OnTime method.

Q4. Yes - again you can create a macro to save a file, name it as required and close the file - then even close Excel if you wish.

Hopefully this will give you some start points. Post back if you need help with specific code or have any other questions.

Regards