HELP PLEASE: Search feature for Word docs within Excel spreadsheet

[NeedsHelpFast]

Hello,

I currently am working on an Excel spreadsheet that links to several Word documents (displayed as hyperlinks). I want to try to implement a search feature where, through the spreadsheet, you can search for words and phrases WITHIN the Word Document.

I know that searching for a word of phrase within the spreadsheet is as easy as ctrl+F, but I want to see what would be necessary to make this search extend to the contents of the Word documents.

I would really appreciate the help!

Thanks!

 

[Damon Ostrander]

Hi NeedsHelpFast,

Yes, this is possible using Automation, which allows one to write VBA code that accesses and manipulates Word objects from within Excel. It is not difficult, but writing the code to do what you want is a bit tedious--probably over a hundred lines of code and possibly several hours of work--which is likely why nobody has posted a solution for you. I can tell you that I personally don't generally provide a solution for a posting unless I can do it in 15 minutes or less. If you were to mention that you would be willing to pay for a solution you would undoubtedly get one very quickly.

If you want to do it yourself you can explore Automation in the Excel helps under the topic "Understanding Automation." I would recommend that before writing the code to search a Word document in Excel you first write it directly in Word (easier to check it out that way), then use that code in Excel, applying it to the Word Document object.

I hope this helps.

Damon