open password protected Excel file

I would like to write code that will open an MS Excel file through code. The address will be hard coded into the program. I know to use Shell(), but the excel file is password protected and I would like to send the password to the file via code so the user doesn't have to enter it. Can it be sent via a command line switch? If so, what is the switch and syntax? If not, is there another way (aside from SendKeys())?
I know what you are thinking "why have a password in the first place if you don't want the user to use it?". Well, that's a valid question, but the answer is a long story that I'd rather not get into.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

It's a reasonalbe thing to pwd-prot a file so you can make a restricted front end. I've only ever done this with Access, where I send the password through an ADO connection string.
Haven't done it with Access.

Can ADO access Excel??

Add a reference to the Microsoft Excel object library (versions may vary) and then use this:

VB Code:

Dim strPath As String
    Dim strPass As String
    
    strPath = "c:\MyWorkbook.xls"   'Make this the path of the spreadsheet
    strPass = "1234567890"  'Make this the password
 
    Dim XlApp As New Excel.Application
    XlApp.Workbooks.Open strPath, , , , strPass
    XlApp.Visible = True

Obviously you'll have to modify the strPath and strPassword vars to suit your purpose.

Hope this helps,
Nishant

;)

sounds good, i will try it

thanks for your help