Automated Import

Sandra Thanks. Re-watched the video and I have all that part working. Trying now to automate it more so I don't have to open database and push the import button.

try this
use on load to automate and docmd.quit to get out. use a shortcut on desktop click and go.

Sounds like you're almost at the finish line with automating your import process. You really have two solid options here. The first is to keep your Access database running all the time and use a timer loop in VBA to check if it's time to run the import. That way your process just happens automatically. That's exactly what I do in my own office for some background tasks, and it works well as long as you're okay with leaving Access open.

The other option, which is usually easier and doesn't require Access to be running all the time, is to use Windows Task Scheduler. You can set that up to open your database and trigger the macro or VBA routine on a set schedule - daily, hourly, whatever you need. Task Scheduler can run tasks even if you're not logged in, as long as the computer is turned on and the Windows service is running (sometimes folks turn it off, so just double-check it's enabled).

You might run into things like weird command-line parameters (like telling Access to open your database and run a macro automatically), but it's pretty straightforward once you've done it once or twice. I haven't made a video walking through Task Scheduler and Access yet but it's on my to-do list, and you're not the first person to ask.

Both options beat having to play button-pusher every morning like some sort of Starfleet ensign running diagnostics. Now, if only I could get it to automatically download stuff for me that I have to log in for, like my YouTube membership list and my PayPal sales for the day. That's something I still have to do manually every morning. Yeah, I know they probably could be automated, but from what I've seen, it's a lot of work. And right now I've got it down to logging in and clicking one button.

I set up the task scheduler to automatically copy an add-in to a folder that gets backed up regularly.  It was pretty straight forward and my batch file was simple.  

I kind of like Juan's idea.  You could make a start-up form, with a timer that runs the automation after a set period, giving you time to cancel it for times when you need to work in the database.  The batch file would only have to open the database.