Open-Edit-Close a Linked Excel File from Access VBA code

[Gene]

I have a database program. One form requires that I first
open an Excel spreadsheet, paste data into it, edit it
including deleting columns and rows, and then save and
close it. There is a linked table in the access program
which I then use for the rest of the work. I can't seem to
figure out how to open an excel spreadsheet from VBA. I
don't understand the Shell command, so if that is the only
route, is there a "Shell for Dummies" primer?
The reason I need to use an excel spreadsheet rather than
paste append into a table is that the data being pasted
comes in a variety of formats which needs to be
standardized by the end user so that it can be linked to
the table. I don't think Access tables are flexible enough
to have data appended that is not exactly as the records
are designed, so I have to go to Excel where it is easy to
get it into the correct format. Thanks for your help.
Gene

 

[John Nurick]

Sample Excel automation
http://www.mvps.org/access/modules/mdl0006.htm

Using Automation to Create and Manipulate an Excel Workbook (Q210148)
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=210148