xls to txt converting

**addictive_mate** · 01-31-2010, 08:12 PM

Hi there,

I am programming a tool in VB.NET which reads a xml file with the inputfile and outputfile arguments and then calls excel to convert the input .xls file to output.txt file. I am not sure how it will work with excel? I am a beginner with excel and dont know how macros work. Please help me what approach should i take and how to use the VBScript in excel?

Thanks and lot for your help!much appreciated!

**Leith Ross** · 01-31-2010, 08:32 PM

Hello addictive_mate,

You mention several different programming languages: VB.net, XML, and VBScript. I am not sure what your question really is as you have not given any details about the Excel workbook.

If it is a single sheet then you can simply save a copy of the workbook as a CSV or Comma Separated Value file. This is a special type of text file that can be read by Excel and most plain text editors. There are other ways to create text files depending on your conversion needs. It would be beneficial for you to post the workbook you want to convert.

**addictive_mate** · 01-31-2010, 08:40 PM

sorry for the confusion, All iwant is define a macro in a excel workbook which converts the input xls fiel to the output txt file. So basically, my application would call excel from command prompmt withj inputfile and outputfile as arguments and the macro should do the job. Any ideas on how to achieve that?

Thanks!

**Leith Ross** · 01-31-2010, 08:50 PM

Hello addictive_mate,

If the workbook is saved using the CSV method then each sheet becomes a separate text file. If you have more than 1 sheet in the workbook and want the entire workbook saved as a text file then a different method must be employed. To implement an alternative method, it is best to know what the physical layout and format of the file is before coding a solution. This is why I asked you to post the workbook.

**addictive_mate** · 01-31-2010, 09:03 PM

Hi there,

For test purposes, there would be just one sheet in one workbook to convert.

Thanks

**Leith Ross** · 01-31-2010, 09:17 PM

Hello addictive_mate,

Copy this code to a standard VBA module in the workbook's VBA Project. Change the NewName and FilePath to what you want to use.

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**addictive_mate** · 01-31-2010, 09:24 PM

Hi ther,

thanks a lot for your help! much appreciated

How can I implement this in a way such that I can run it from command line and passt input file and outpur file as parameters? For example

excel.exe inputfile outputfil?

Thanks a lot