WD97: Run-time Error '6008' Using the AppendToSpike Method

ID: Q183582

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you use the Visual Basic for Applications AppendToSpike method example found in the AppendToSpike Method Help topic, you may receive the following error message:

   Run-time error '6008':
   The AppendToSpike method is only valid for the AutoTextEntries in the
   NormalTemplate.

CAUSE

By design, the Visual Basic for Applications AppendToSpike method can only be used with the Word default Normal template. The AppendToSpike Help example is misleading in that it uses the following Visual Basic for Applications command set:

   Set myTemplate = ActiveDocument.AttachedTemplate

Using this command set when the active document is attached to any template other than the Normal template will result in a run-time error.

RESOLUTION

Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without warranty either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This article assumes that you are familiar with the programming language being demonstrated and the tools used to create and debug procedures. Microsoft support professionals can help explain the functionality of a particular procedure, but they will not modify these examples to provide added functionality or construct procedures to meet your specific needs. If you have limited programming experience, you may want to contact the Microsoft fee-based consulting line at (800) 936-5200. For more information about the support options available from Microsoft, please see the following page on the World Wide Web:

   http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/refguide/

To resolve this issue, change the code copied from the AppendToSpike Method Help example.

In the following AppendToSpike Method example, the command set,

   NormalTemplate.AutoTextEntries,

replaces

   ActiveDocument.AttachedTemplate

found in the original AppendToSpike Help example.

Using NormalTemplate.AutoTextEntries assures the example will work regardless of the template that is currently attached to the active document.

   Dim atEntry As AutoTextEntry
   Selection.Collapse Direction:=wdCollapseStart
   For Each atEntry In NormalTemplate.AutoTextEntries
      If atEntry.Name = "Spike" Then atEntry.Delete
   Next atEntry
   With NormalTemplate.AutoTextEntries
      .AppendToSpike Range:=ActiveDocument.Words(3)
      .AppendToSpike Range:=ActiveDocument.Words(1)
      .Item("Spike").Insert Where:=Selection.Range
   End With

For more information about the AppendToSpike Method, from the Visual Basic Editor, click the Office Assistant, type "AppendToSpike Method," click Search, and then click to view "AppendToSpike Method."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If the Assistant is not able to answer your query, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q176476
   TITLE     : OFF: Office Assistant Not Answering Visual Basic Questions

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. \** \** PARTNER: fixlistoff2k \** This problem has been corrected in Word 2000. \** AppendToSpike Help example is no longer misleading.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q173707
   TITLE     : OFF97: How to Run Sample Code from Knowledge Base Articles

REFERENCES

For more information about getting help with Visual Basic for Applications, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q163435
   TITLE     : VBA: Programming Resources for Visual Basic for
               Applications

Additional query words: wordcon vb vba vbe

Keywords          : kbdta OffVBA kbmacroexample kbwordvba word97 kbhelp 
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbpending

Last Reviewed: April 7, 1999