In this article I explain how to make the add-in available to your workbooks.

Don't install!

As xlDAX.xlma is a VBA add-in you can install it, but, in general, utility add-ins like this, particularly when being used on a client-site, are best instantiated on a once-off, need-to-use basis.

Either by:

  • simply manually loading like a normal workbook OR …
  • using Application.Run() from within:
    • a Workbook.Open() event or macro OR …
    • a macro associated with an button/control.

Code

The code snippet below demonstrates one-off install of the add-in.

Note:

  • I assume the calling workbook shares the same folder as the add-in (often a good idea when packaging a client-site solution).

  • The .Run command calls a macro called loadHammer. This will attempt to load my .NET HAMMER add-in, if it exists in the same folder as the xlDAX.xlma file, if not, only thing that’ll happen is the loading of xlDAX. I’ll explain later on, why sometimes you might need HAMMER, but in most cases you’ll not. 

Sub init_xlDAX()

Dim xlDAXFile As String
Dim workingFolder As String

'Set whatever working folder you require
workingFolder = ActiveWorkbook.Path
xlDAXFile = workingFolder & "\" & "xlDAX.xlam"
xlDAXFile = "'" & xlDAXFile & "'!" & "loadHammer"
Application.Run (xlDAXFile)

End Sub