"I can see no way of pushing the new/changed records back to SQL Server from within Excel itself. Does this bit need to be done programmatically with e.g. VBA?"

Yes there is a way with ODBC or OLE-DB and VBA. Excel can be an excellent front end to SQL-Server.

The step you have to take is to learn VBA do it!

I have many examples if you like to have a direct Contact.

Gosta