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I have a large codebase built in C# (classes and functions), compiled to .NET 4.7.2 in VS2019 and need to call to the compiled C# assembly (compiles to .dll) from VBA in excel. What is the path of least resistance to achieve this, considering I need to deploy the final VBA + C# dll (and whatever wrapper layers I may need) to client machines that won't have admin rights.

I can recompile the C#, if necessary. If I cannot call directly to C#, could I go via a C++ native wrapper, and then on to C#? (or do I need a C++/CLI layer too?).

I have tried the recommendation here but access denied (admin rights required)

I also tried this Side-By-Side COM Interop with C# and VBA. But the .NET framework that excel targets is of an older version than that which I build my C# on. Not sure how I can fix this... Would it require registry edits? because if so, I can't use that method as I don't have admin rights.

Lastly I looked at this option https://pragmateek.com/using-c-from-native-c-with-the-help-of-ccli-v2/. But it appears to be going via C++ -> C++/CLR -> C# source. considering I start in VBA, that's two intermediate steps... surely there is a better way?

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    This sounds like an exercise in suffering. Depending on your scenario, consider going the other way and driving editing or generating the necessary Excel data from a C# application. This can even be done without having to automate Excel, though that is an option. Commented Feb 17, 2023 at 16:05
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    Your first link seem like a good tutorial as to how to make a COM visible assemby (which is the way to approach calling .Net code from Excel) what specifically was the problem you encountered? Perhaps create a new class library that interfaces with your existing codebase and make that the COM visible intermediary to keep things simple. Commented Feb 17, 2023 at 16:17
  • I think what you want is Roberts UnmanagedExports (or Repack, or DLLExport). This could be as simple as adding [DllExport] to your C# calls and Importing them into VBA. stackoverflow.com/questions/70373749/… Commented Feb 17, 2023 at 16:41
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    What about Excel DNA: excel-dna.net I personally like it, but deploying i have not tested yet. It produces .xll for both 32 and 64 bit versions. Commented Feb 17, 2023 at 17:58
  • Edit, I managed to build my c# in .NET 4.5 instead of 4.7.2 and it worked! Thanks for the link @clamchoda. Next I will be exploring c++ to c++CLR to c# and seeing how robust it feels. Commented Feb 17, 2023 at 20:21
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