If you are dealing with large design tables and there is frequent change in the configurations be it adding new, removing existing ones or altering the parameters of existing configs then there is a way to achieve this even without opening SOLIDWORKS!

Let's see how we can achieve it.

1. Create a design table using "Auto-Create" option. For this, I have considered simple square plate. So I have 2 parameters here sketch dimensions and its thickness as Boss Extrude.

   

   2. Exit the design table window by clicking anywhere in graphics window. Then right click on "Excel Design Table" and Click on "Save Table". Save it anywhere on your disk.

   

   3. Once it is saved. Go back to "Configurations" property manager -> Right click on "Excel Design Table" again and click on "Edit Feature".

   

   4. In the first step, you used "Auto-Create" option. This time click on "From File" and browse to the location where you saved the excel file. The most important step is to check "Link to File" dialog box.

   

   5. Close the part (if you want).Go to the excel file saved on your disk (the one that you just linked by browsing) and open it. Add few new configs, save it and rebuild/open the part file. The new configurations should be present!