Updating a Web Query Based on a Schedule

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 31, 2021)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Excel in Microsoft 365


1

Robert has successfully made a data connection to a website through a web query. He has the web query update, automatically, every two minutes. However, the website to which he's connected is only "live" during certain hours. Robert wonders if there is a way to instruct the web query to update every two minutes, but only during a schedule that he establishes.

Not knowing the exact manner in which Robert is triggering his web query, only some general guidance can be given. The trick is going to be to figure a way to turn on the web query and a separate way to turn it off. The easiest way to handle this is to write two routines, which I'll call TurnQueryOn and TurnQueryOff. You could then use the OnTime method to specify when you want the query turned on. Here's an example that runs the proper routine at 6:00 am:

Application.OnTime TimeValue("06:00:00"), "TurnQueryOn"

You could, right after scheduling when to turn the query on, schedule when to turn it off:

Application.OnTime TimeValue("15:00:00"), "TurnQueryOff"

This code runs the TurnQueryOff routine at 3:00 pm. In these code lines, of course, the trick will be to develop the TurnQueryOn and TurnQueryOff macros and make sure they actually do what they are supposed to do.

Note:

If you would like to know how to use the macros described on this page (or on any other page on the ExcelTips sites), I've prepared a special page that includes helpful information. Click here to open that special page in a new browser tab.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (13890) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Excel in Microsoft 365.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Changing a Shape

Need to change a shape you previously added to your worksheet? It's easy to do using the graphics tools provided by ...

Discover More

Easily Changing Links

If you have linked information in your worksheets, you may want a way you can easily change the targets to which those ...

Discover More

Controlling the Bold Text Attribute

When processing a document in a macro, you may need to make some of your text bold. It's easy to do using the Bold ...

Discover More

Save Time and Supercharge Excel! Automate virtually any routine task and save yourself hours, days, maybe even weeks. Then, learn how to make Excel do things you thought were simply impossible! Mastering advanced Excel macros has never been easier. Check out Excel 2010 VBA and Macros today!

More ExcelTips (ribbon)

Executing a Macro Every 15 Minutes

Need to run a macro at a given interval? It's easy to do when you learn how to use the .OnTime method, described in this tip.

Discover More

Generating Unique, Sequential Names

Do you need to create a number of words or phrases where you only alter a few letters in each one? If the alterations ...

Discover More

Maximum Length Limit for a Macro

Make your macros too long, and Excel may just refuse to run them at all. This tip explains what the limit is for macros ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is four minus 0?

2021-07-31 14:36:37

Philip

I’d be interested in more details about how to set umpteen web query, and what the (table / formatting) requirements on the web side of the connections would be …


This Site

Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.