Possible to write VBA code to send out an EMAIL everytime a workbook is opened?

[Marcello do Guzman]

I would like to add in ThisWorkbook the code so that an email is sent
out to me each time a certain workbook is opened. This is a way for me
to know who is using the Excel application I developed.

Example:
-------------

Customer X buys my application. He installs the application on his
computer and opens the workbook. This sends an email to me with the
message. "User X opened TestMarket.xls"

If Customer X should make copies of my application and give them to
his friends an email would also be sent to me with the above message.
However, the email address from the sender would be different.

This is a sneaky way for me to know who is using my application. Is it
also possible to tell OUTLOOK and/or OUTLOOK EXPRESS not to save a
copy of the sent email?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

sincerely,



Marcello

email: (e-mail address removed)

 

[Harald Staff]

Hi Marcello

Ron de Bruin has code for sending email at
http://www.rondebruin.nl/
but how this works out will depend a lot on the users' email client and
their security settings; this behavior is similar to what annoying viruses
do so I doubt you can do this "invisible and untraceable" without problems.

HTH. best wishes Harald

 

[Bob Phillips]

Wouldn't it be easier to write out to a log file?

--

HTH

Bob Phillips
... looking out across Poole Harbour to the Purbecks
(remove nothere from the email address if mailing direct)

 

[Tim Williams]

I don't think that e-mail is the best solution here. If you have access to
a web server you could have your workbook make a (hidden) GET request which
included the username. You can then parse this information from the server
logs, along with potentially useful information such as the user's IP
address (usual issues of shared IP's apply).

Tim.

 

[Paul Lutus]

I would like to add in ThisWorkbook the code so that an email is sent
out to me each time a certain workbook is opened. This is a way for me
to know who is using the Excel application I developed.

That is a crime, rocket scientist.

Example:
-------------

Customer X buys my application. He installs the application on his
computer and opens the workbook. This sends an email to me with the
message. "User X opened TestMarket.xls"

It is clear that, unless the purchaser is made aware of this parasitic
"feature", this is a felony under present law, clearly not a matter of any
import to you.

If Customer X should make copies of my application and give them to
his friends an email would also be sent to me with the above message.
However, the email address from the sender would be different.

This is called a "virus" and, if you release it, you are going to jail.

You are the most transparent fraud I have ever met.

This is a sneaky way for me to know who is using my application. Is it
also possible to tell OUTLOOK and/or OUTLOOK EXPRESS not to save a
copy of the sent email?

Is it possible for you to rent a conscience, since you don't have one of
your own?

If the above application hits the streets, and unless each and every
purchaser is made aware of its predatory hidden feature, I will make sure
you feel the heat for your crimes -- in particular because you now cannot
plead ignorance of the law.