XL98: Run-Time Error Using SpecialCells Method with Protection

ID: Q186375

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to use the SpecialCells method in a Visual Basic for Applications macro in Microsoft Excel, you may receive the following error message:

   Run-time error '1004':

   You cannot use this command on a protected sheet. To unprotect the
   sheet, use the Unprotect Sheet command (Tools menu, Protection
   submenu). You may be prompted for a password.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if the following conditions are true:

You are running a Visual Basic for Applications macro that selects cells by using the SpecialCells method.
```
    -and-
```
The contents of the active worksheet are currently protected.

WORKAROUND

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/supportnet/refguide/

If the SpecialCells method is used on a worksheet with the contents protected, the macro will produce the error listed in the "Symptoms" section of this article. To avoid this error, unprotect the sheet before using the SpecialCells method. Reapply the protection once the cells have been selected. This example unprotects the sheet, selects all blank cells in the used range, and then protects the sheet:

   Sub Test3()
      ActiveSheet.Unprotect
      Selection.SpecialCells(xlCellTypeBlanks).Select
      ActiveSheet.Protect DrawingObjects:=True, Contents:=True, _
         Scenarios:=True
   End Sub

NOTE: If a the worksheet is protected by a password, you must supply the password as an argument for the Unprotect method.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition.

REFERENCES

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

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

For more information about running sample, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

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

Additional query words: goto XL98

Keywords          : kbdta EPUCon OffVBA KbVBA 
Version           : MACINTOSH:98
Platform          : MACINTOSH
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbpending

Last Reviewed: May 18, 1999