DoneEx XCell Compiler for Windows

User Reviews

• OK for non-complex templates

  glbcpa1September 13, 2013

  Pros

  Ability to embed EULA, splash, icon Trial Version timer

  Cons

  Multiple run time errors for complex VBA code Support somewhat responsive but not helpful

  Summary

  Had high hopes for DoneEx. Ran into compiler run time errors right out of the blocks. They modified their code upon examining my template which was impressive. Problems really began when I asked how to MOVE (not COPY) their compiler to a new computer. They responded as if I was a criminal for even suggesting such a thing and a war of words/insults (from both sides) ensued. Now my support is cryptic and sparse. I have attempted to use row insertion and support maintains that because the insertion code exists it makes the exe unstable. However, I receive multiple run time errors on non-row inserting code. I purchased the business license but will not be renewing. Could be good for simple spreadsheets but my template has 15 tabs and about 4000 lines of VBA and minimum size is around 6 meg. Very disappointed. Also, they are not native English speakers/writers and some of their help and explanations (as exemplified by their website) is not easy to decipher. I think that is one of the reasons we had the misunderstanding regarding the movement of the software from one computer to the other.

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• No more piracy

  irichmondOctober 5, 2012

  Pros

  At Drillingsoftware we produce Excel based software for the oil industry with a global client list. Keeping things running smoothly is of paramount importance. Fortunately we discovered Doneex and have been using Xcell Compiler for several years now. I can say that this great piece of software has reduced piracy of our software to "Zero". Over the years due to hard ware changes and operating system upgrades (all of which will require a new .data file) the Doneex support team has responded within hours with replacement files to keep our global operation running. Many thanks to the Doneex support team and their excellent service and response

  Cons

  None really unless you update an operating system or change a hard drive and think it's a hassle to request an update to your registration. Which in fact it's not as already mentioned Doneex support is excellent

  Summary

  Best thing I've found since sliced cheese

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• Unique and extremely useful.

  tripwire101February 1, 2012

  Pros

  Create an executable in VBA without losing time converting to C# etc. Unless you are a code snob this bypasses a huge learning curve. Excellent customer support. Fab product.

  Cons

  £600 paid for this so far. This is from : £200 for the base version plus an additional £392.56 for the DoneEx XCell Compiler NRD Option for Business (same but without the nag screen) version - and add a maintenance contract on top £68.84 inc vat per year. However I have paid all of this because it's worth the money. Compare to £1,000-£2,000+ for VSTO products and Visual Studio 2010 itself etc.

  Summary

  Full version is costly but it turns excel apps into secure re-sale items. It's been a year now and nothing has come up as a competitor. Truly innovative.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Feb 1, 2012<p/>GBP600 paid for this so far. This is from : GBP200 for the base version plus an additional GBP392.56 for the DoneEx XCell Compiler NRD Option for Business (same but without the nag screen) version - and add a maintenance contract on top GBP68.84 inc vat per year. However I have paid all of this because it's worth the money. Compare to GBP1,000-GBP2,000+ for VSTO products and Visual Studio 2010 itself etc.

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• Excellent Product..Support is Great!

  JayKieltyOctober 28, 2011

  Pros

  Create .exe and not .xls. Reasonably priced. Simple to use.

  Cons

  Its an .exe but it does require excel to be installed on the user PC. Would be rare to find a pc without excel TBH. I would like to see a Knowledge Base online.

  Summary

  I honestly have no idea why there is negative reviews regarding the product and the support.I have never waited more that two days for a reply from the support team.If a product is free or trial version you gotta expect nag screens..that is a very petty complaint. My main reason for using this product is due to the negative vibes I get when deploying excel sheets..even though the code is complex people assume you switched on the recorder and recorded it all,they obviously have no concept of the term dynamic data.Using this product I have almost totally disguised the fact it is Excel and VBA. I ain't bothered to learn Visual Basic when this produces the end result I require.I would like if they could remove the word 'application' from the top header or allow the user to define this. J Kielty- -code monkey

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• Deceptive pricing - license is only for one year

  Jacq100October 7, 2011

  Pros

  Easy to use

  Cons

  Only after you buy it do they tell you your license is only for one year and then quote: "Upon expiration your license turns into Trial mode.". I am not talking about the cheap version this is the small biz licesnse.

  Summary

  At $169 single computer this sw is expensive. For that price you at least expect you own it not lease it! You have to request a new license every year and decide if you want to pay for maintenance. It is also locked to one computer configuration so if you change your hard drive you again have to request a new license key. You are at their mercy. Read all the reviews carefully because some positive reviews look like they are from the company not users.

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• Response to jackm62

  DoneExApril 10, 2011

  Pros

  Everything works correct in genuine copy of the product

  Cons

  Didn't find any yet

  Summary

  The symptoms you have described appear in case if you use non genuine copy of the DoneEx XCell Compiler. You may be a victim of software counterfeiting. You can download trial version of the original product from our site.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Apr 12, 2011<p/>It is understandable why you can see VBA code after compiling a workbook in trial version of the DoneEx XCell Compiler. The "Protect VBA" option is not available in trial version of the product. This is the feature of business licenses. You may find details in the feature comparison table on our site. Also you can contact support@DoneEx.com and our support staff will teach you how to use the product.

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• VBA Protection doesn't work in the DoneEx!

  jackm62April 7, 2011

  Pros

  VBA code can be easily unlocked.

  Cons

  Product has important limitations, which makes is useless for complex workbooks.

  Summary

  Program looks like a students work, not like a professional product. It is not user friendly at all - just look at the it's annoying NAG screen. But the biggest problem with DoneEx - VBA macros was cracked in several minutes! There is no protection at all. In many cases "compiled" workbook doesn't work as it should. Fake. This is not a compiler at all.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Apr 10, 2011<p/>DoneEx, I've used trial version from your website. Your reply about "genuine" software is nonsence.

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• Easily deploy Excel/VBA tools as protected programs

  bmas-nzApril 8, 2010

  Pros

  Protects valuable IP developed in an Excel/VBA environment No longer have to worry about excel security settings Excellent service and support

  Cons

  In earlier versions of Excel Compiler our VBA code ran noticeably slower. However in the latest version this appears to have been well addressed and is no longer an issue.

  Summary

  We have valuable IP developed in an Excel/VBA environment (for simplicity and ease of use). With DoneEx Excel Compiler these tools are protected - the formulas in our spreadsheets cannot be seen and the VBA code cannot be accessed. Thus we can be confident about deploying our tools without losing our competitive advantage. A key advantage is not having to worry about macro/security settings - the exe created runs in excel whatever the security settings. We have made a number of enquiries/ support requests that have always been handled promptly and professionally. A great company to deal with.

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• Useful tool with great support.

  Kar1057April 4, 2010

  Pros

  Works as expected. Great support.

  Cons

  Didn't find so far.

  Summary

  I have worked with this product for a few months and I am very satisfied. Better yet,when I personally requested to implement a feature i really needed, they did not refuse. They have implemented my feature within half a week. I am really impressed with the individual attention they have given me. Karl Morris

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• Fantastic product!

  kra100March 11, 2010

  Pros

  The product not only fully protects your program but adds a level of professionalism to any project.

  Cons

  The product satisfied all my requirements so I can't say there was anything I didn't like.

  Summary

  Congratulations Doneex! My company wrote a Financial Planning Program written in Excel which we planned to market to Insurance Agents and Investment Advisors. We needed to find a way to prevent the program from being copied and the formulas from being tampered with. We reviewed a few programs but none came close to the versatility of the Doneex Compiler. It more than satisfied every need we had to protect our program. As a result we were able to sell our program to the four largest Insurance Companies in Trinidad and Tobago. The Compiler allowed us to use a unique icon for the program, create our own user license text, incorporate a unique splash screen when the program is opened, set an expiry date with renewal notice and even create a trial version of the program. The compiler added a level of professional quality to my program which I could never have done on my own. The options the compiler gives the end user were perfect for my needs. The Financial Planners can input data for calculation with no danger of the formulae being inadvertently altered or deleted. The formulae is also hidden from the user which is perfect to prevent others from developing clones of my program. The compiler options allow my end user to print the reports created by my program which was also important to me. The support team at Doneex deserves an award! They certainly have earned my praise if nothing else. They have been efficient in every query I have submitted. I had many queries when I first purchased the program about its capability to satisfy concerns I had about the user options for editing and to my delight the support team worked with me to resolve every issue. I downloaded my compiler to my laptop which was subsequently stolen and the support team worked with me to allow my continued use of the program by transferring my registration key to my new computer. Doneex and their support team have exceeded my expectations in every way. Congratulations to this wonderful company!

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