write html file that contains a link that open excel application in a specific sheet & row

Question

I'm writing a very simple HTML file that contains some tables. I'm trying to have a cell value, which is basically a link. by clicking on the link I'd like to open a file in an excel application in a specific sheet and row.

Notes:

1. windows environment
2. HTML is opened by a standard browser
3. the file exists locally (simple path: C:\test.xlsx)
4. excel application path is unknown
5. I'd like to keep the HTML file as simple as possible. good design is not a top priority. just need to make it happen.
6. (low priority) if excel instance (for a specific file) is already open, I'd like to change the active sheet and highlight the row in the open instance

Answer 1

I solved it using javascript:

<script type="text/javascript">
    function open_excel_file(path,sheet,f_range)
      {

        if (!window.ActiveXObject)
        {
          alert ("Your browser does not support this feature.\n"
                 "Please re-open this file using IE browser.");
          return;
        }

        fso = new ActiveXObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject");

        if (!fso.FileExists(path))
          alert("Cannot open file.\nFile '" + path + "' doesn't exist.");

        else
         {
           var myApp = new ActiveXObject("Excel.Application");

           if (myApp != null)
             {
               myApp.visible = true;
               Book = myApp.workbooks.open(path);
               var excel_sheet = Book.Worksheets(sheet).Activate;
               myApp.range(f_range).Select;
             }

           else {
             alert ("Cannot open Excel application");
           }
         }
      }
 </script>

usage example:

<button onclick="open_excel_file('f1.csv', 's1', 'A1:Z7');">Open</button>