macro to create a macro?

http://www.cpearson.com/excel/vbe.aspx

This is not entry-level programming, it can make virus scanners very nervous, and there is almost certainly a better and less complicated way to do what you want.

interesting. I'd never considered that it could be seen as a virus.

yeah, as I was typing that, I just kept thinking, "there's got to be an easier way"

I think I'm going to regroup and try to come up with a better way.

thank you for that link.