XLA Decompiler
==============

This Add-In can decompile XLAs to XLS workbook files, so that code can
be read or modified. According to Microsoft, this can't be done.


This is taken from the Microsoft Excel Visual Basic User's Guide:



> Creating an Add-In Application
> ==============================
> 
> You can use an add-in application to distribute copies of your work in an
> unreadable form that others can use.

	[SNIP]

> Converting a Workbook to an Add-In Application
> ==============================================
> 
> When you save a workbook in the add-in format, Microsoft Excel converts
> its code into a compressed form that cannot be read by anyone, and 
> cannot be converted back into a workbook. This process is called
> _compiling_. Compiling speeds execution of the resulting code and protects
> your work from being read or modified by anyone else.


Is this a lie? Judge for yourself. Are you an Excel VBA developer? If so, how
do you feel knowing that your code is insecure?


Instructions
============

Installation:

1. Copy XLATOXLS.XLA to your EXCEL directory
2. Select Add-_Ins... from the _Tools menu
3. Click the _Browse button
4. Select XLATOXLS.XLA from the EXCEL directory and double-click or press OK
5. "XLA Decompiler" will now appear in the "_Add-Ins Avaliable:" listbox
6. Press the OK button

The XLA is now installed and the registration reminder screen will appear.



To decompile an Add-In:

1. Activate a worksheet
2. Select _Decompile Add-In from the _Tools menu
3. Select the Add-In you wish to decompile from the Installed Add-Ins
   dropdown listbox.
4. Select the modules you wish to decompile from the Modules listbox
5. Click the _Decompile button

After a short while, the Modules you selected will appear, decompiled, in
a new workbook. The code is now available for you to read, change or save.


Demo Version
============

The demo version of XlaToXls is limited in the following ways:

1. Every time you click _Decompile, you will see that registration nag screen
2. Only the first module in the AddIn will be decompiled.
3. The decompiled module is briefly displayed until the user clears a message 
   box, and then it is removed


Registering
===========

The registraion fee is 20 pounds sterling or 30 US dollars. You will then be 
sent a full version of the XLA, via uuencoded email, with the demo version 
limitations removed.

For more information regarding registration, contact the author at:


		lardy@slough.demon.co.uk



There is no online registration feature. Have any of you seen EXCRAK? It is 
a Visual Basic program, written by John Kuslich, which provides you with
the password used to protect authorised workbook loading. Mr. Kuslich charges
$99 for his product. It does it's job very well, but has an awful, very 
non-standard front-end. Anyway, I was able to decompile EXCRAK, reverse 
engineer the (very, very simple) registration password routine, and gain
access to the full functionality of EXCRAK. Thankyou for making your password
routine so simple John. 

THIS IS WHY THERE IS NO ONLINE REGISTRATION FEATURE IN XLATOXLS. I don't want 
the same thing to happen to me.


Bugs & History
==============

This is only been briefly tested. Please report any bugs to:

		lardy@slough.demon.co.uk



v1.0    -       Initial release via ftp.winsite.com - 8th February 1996
v1.1 	-	Re-issue due to corrupt Zip file - 13th February 1996



Disclaimer & Copyright
----------------------

XLSToXLA is Copyright (C) 1996 by Craig Poxon
All Rights Reserved.


This program is not to be resold or distributed for sale with other programs 
which are for sale. There is no warranty or claim of fitness or reliability. 
The author shall not be held liable for any loss of data, down time, loss of 
revenue or any other direct or indirect damage or claims caused by this 
program.

Microsoft, Excel, and Visual Basic are registered trademarks of the Microsoft
Corporation.