Scripting Blog [archived]

Formerly known as the "Hey, Scripting Guy!" blog

Hey, Scripting Guy! How Can I Write to Excel Without Using Excel?

(image) Hey, Scripting Guy! I need to be able to write information to an Excel file. I do not want to install Microsoft Office Excel on my server, but the spreadsheet format is a nice way to store information. I can then give it to my pointy-headed boss, and he can create pivot tables, charts, or whatever exactly it is he does all day. ...

Hey, Scripting Guy! How Can I Read from Excel Without Using Excel?

(image) Hey, Scripting Guy! I have an Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheet with server names in it, and I would like to be able to use this in a Windows PowerShell script. The thing is, I do not have Microsoft Office or Excel installed on the server. How can I use this spread sheet without installing Office on my server (which I understand ...

Hey, Scripting Guy! How Can I Summarize Information Found in a Spreadsheet Row?

(image) Hey, Scripting Guy! I have an Excel spreadsheet that tracks daily time for our employees, indicating whether the employee worked on a given day or took some type of leave (paid leave, leave without pay, sick leave, etc.). Is there a way to output a report showing the various leave types taken by each employee, along with the dates ...

Hey, Scripting Guy! How Can I Prevent Office Excel From Turning My Imported Numbers Into Dates?

(image) Hey, Scripting Guy! I have a CSV file, and every time I open that file in Office Excel my numbers get converted to dates. How can I import numbers as numbers?-- JR (image) (image) (image) Hey, JR. You know, just yesterday the Scripting Guy who writes this column learned about Yelo, an interesting little company based in New York City...