When I try to import data from an external (internet) database via the "Get External" Data box and then "From Web" via the "New Web Query" box it automatically comes up with a website - HTTP://WWW.MSN.COM/en-ev ...... and merrily starts importing data from that website before I can do anything.



Is there a way to turn this "feature" off permanently so that I can just go into the "New Web Query" area and have the URL section blank so that I can then input the URL of the website that I am trying to get data from?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Rod

Here's a VBA way of doing it. It's something I did a while ago for someone else, I've stripped it down to do just the web page scrape. There's some parts commented out from when I was experimenting which I left there to remind me of the syntax etc. Have a play with it & see if it's any use to you.
The message that appears at the top of sheet2 is from change event in the Tab/View Code window, delete or comment out if you like. If you delete the contents of sheet 2 manually, you can end up with multiple connections in the Data Connections window. As it is now, if you run it it will delete any data connections, clear sheet 2 and display an input box to enter the website you want to get the data from. Then depending on the website etc a few seconds later you have something on sheet 2. I've left sheet 2 with the last page I downloaded so just press the button & play

Enjoy

Attached Files

QueryTables.xlsm (58.9 KB, 9 views)

Hi Phil, Many thanks for this. I will let you know how I get on.

I started writing this spreadsheet to keep my brain active but it is even harder than I thought that it would be so I really do appreciate all your help.

Cheers - Rod