I was able to resolve the first question using the Timer parameter in VBA. I accomplished the count down with a loop procedure. I can post the procedure if anyone is interested. Does anyone know about my second question?

Thanks,
-m

I found the answer to the second question as well. The code should go in MS excel objects, by clicking on the "this workbook" object and selecting the behavior (in my case "open") from the top code window.

Private Sub Workbook_Open()
Application.Run "'myxlsfile'!MyMacro"
End Sub



Thanks for those who read my original questions.

cheers,
-m