Opening Excel from AutoCAD

Is there a way to just open the Excel program and not a specific file from within AutoCAD?

Thanks

I don't know details, but I think that this thread can get you started. http://www.theswamp.org/index.php?topic=38561.msg436891#msg436891

Thanks, but I need to just open Excel as if I launched the Excel program from an icon. I don't want to open an already existing file.

(setq xls (vlax-create-object "excel.application"))
(vlax-put-property xls 'visible :vlax-true)

Be sure to release the xls object when finished.

It has something to do with the shell command. I haven't gotten it working, but I haven't put much time into figuring it out either. If I understand correctly, this other thread does what you're wanting, but I can't make it work with Excel some reason.

Simply:

(if (setq excel (vlax-get-or-create-object "Excel.Application"))
 (vlax-put-property excel 'visible :vlax-true)
 (prompt "\nUnable to interfere with excel application.")
)

Although you would have to release the excel application object in the end.

EDIT: Damn, Lee was faster - sorry.

Actually, this is better:

(startapp (vl-registry-read (strcat "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\" (vl-registry-read "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\.xls") "\\shell\\new\\command")))

Thanks everyone! You guys are so awesome.

Actually, this is better:

(startapp (vl-registry-read (strcat "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\" (vl-registry-read "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\.xls") "\\shell\\new\\command")))

Learned something new today, you have my thanks!

You're welcome!

Actually, this is better:

(startapp (vl-registry-read (strcat "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\" (vl-registry-read "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\.xls") "\\shell\\new\\command")))