HTML TABLE TO EXCEL SPREADSHEET

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If the data is actually an HTML page and has NOT been created by ASP, PHP, or some other scripting language, and you are using Internet Explorer 6 or later, and you have Excel installed on your computer, simply right-click on the page and look through the menu. You should see "Export to Microsoft Excel." If all these conditions are true, click on the menu item and after a few prompts it will be imported to Excel. But, that doesn't always work so keep reading.

If the page is scripted or if you only want a portion of it, the above solution will not work. I have found that only a few folks know of the solution described below. It is based upon the Drag-and-Drop function of Windows and works very well. It's not high-tech, it's no big secret, but it's quick and easy as long as you are willing to keep your finger parked on the left mouse button while Windows does the rest of the work.

The tutorial below shows how to import an ASP-generated table from the web to your Excel application.

Step 1

Begin by opening the Excel file into which you wish to import the data coming from the HTML file. Once the file is opened, minimize it and take note of its location at the bottom of the screen in the task bar.

After opening the Excel file, connect to the HTML file containing the data you are importing.

Drag your mouse (while holding down the left mouse button) through the portions of the table you wish to transfer to your Excel file. In this picture you can see that the user has only selected a portion of the entire table. This is only an example, used to illustrate that you do not need to import the entire table. In the next example you can see that more of the data has been selected.

Step 2

In example below, all of the data within the table has been selected by dragging the mouse through it while holding down the left mouse button.

If the table extends beyond the bottom or top of the window, continue dragging your mouse beyond the border. This will cause the data displayed in the web page to begin to scroll toward the desired direction, allowing more data to become selected. When all of the desired data has been selected release the mouse button.

Read the following step carefully as this is where many people seem to have difficulty.

Step 3

Look carefully at the graphic displayed below. Notice that the user has moved the mouse pointer over part of the selected data. You can see the mouse pointer located above the grand-total at the bottom of the data.

At this point you click with your left mouse button and hold it down. You will not release the button until having completed several of the following steps. Many people have problems here because they tend to release the mouse button prematurely. DO NOT RELEASE THE MOUSE BUTTON until these instructions specifically instruct you to do so.

Step 4

Without releasing the left mouse button click and drag the data down toward the task bar at the bottom of your screen where the Excel task button is located. DO NOT be alarmed as your mouse cursor changes as you move it down the page. Note: in the graphic below, the cursor is indicating that the action cannot be performed as the mouse pointer moves below the selected data. But continue dragging toward the Excel task bar button. Everything will change at that point.

Step 5

In the graphic below you can see that the user is about to drag the mouse pointer over the top of the Excel task button. When the mouse cursor finally moves above the Excel button, pause and wait, while still holding down the left mouse button. DO NOT RELEASE THE BUTTON. As you pause at that point your Excel file will return to its former display position (maximized or restored) on top of the HTML file you were viewing.

Step 6

The graphic below shows what you will see when your Excel file opens as you place your mouse pointer above the Excel task button while holding down the left mouse button. Don't let go yet!

Step 7

Without releasing your left mouse button drag the pointer away from the task bar and into the Excel spreadsheet. In the graphic below you can see how it will look as you drag your data up through the sheet.

Drag the outlined area to the point on the spreadsheet where you wish it to be located.

Step 8

In the graphic below you can see that the user placed his data in the upper-left-hand corner of the spreadsheet. As long as you continue to hold down the left mouse button you can drag the imported data to any location on the spreadsheet.

Once the outline of the data is located where you want it, RELEASE THE MOUSE Button.

Step 9

The graphic below shows the imported data located in the spreadsheet after releasing the mouse button. You may need to widen the default columns to accommodate your data, as displayed in the next section.

Step 10

After proper formatting your data is imported and ready for use on your system.