Newbie - need training- make exe that searches 2 excel columns

I have two columns in excel. Without having to open Excel, I would like to create a small executable that would ask for either of the two column contents and return the information in the other column or cells that contains that information. I am probably not giving enough information, but perhaps someone could comment on how I would go about finding out how to do this. My vb experience is extremely limited, but I can write macros etc so I have a bit of understanding of how to work from within the office applications.

Thanks to anyone who can advise.

Take a look in the Office Forum. There are a few samples there.