Add a toolbar button to launch an executable file

Article contributed by Bill Coan

1.

Create a macro to launch the executable file.

2.

Assign the macro to a toolbar.

To create the macro

1.

Choose Macro|Macros... on the Tools menu.

2.

Enter a name for the macro, such as LaunchMyProgram

3.

Click Create

4.

In the vba macro editing window, enter the Shell statement, something like:

Shell "c:\MyProgram.Exe"

5.

Choose Save Normal on the File menu.

6.

Choose Close and Return To Word on the File menu.

To assign the macro to a toolbar

1.

Rightclick any toolbar and select Customize

2.

Click the Commands tab at the top of the dialog box.

3.

In the Categories list, choose Macro.

4.

In the Macros list, choose LaunchMyProgram and drag it up to the toolbar of your choice.

5.

Right-click the resulting button and choose Change Button Image and select an image.

6.

Right-click the button again and choose Default Style.

7.

Click Close to close the Customize dialog box.