ACC97: Cannot Use RunCommand acCmdSaveModuleAsText in Code

ID: Q161087

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

Moderate: Requires basic macro, coding, and interoperability skills.

When you run code that contains the RunCommand method with the acCmdSaveModuleAsText constant, you may receive the following error message: 

   The command or action 'SaveModuleAsText' isn't available now.
This article assumes that you are familiar with Visual Basic for Applications and with creating Microsoft Access applications using the programming tools provided with Microsoft Access. For more information about Visual Basic for Applications, please refer to the "Building Applications with Microsoft Access 97" manual.

CAUSE

Microsoft Access cannot save a code module while code is running.

RESOLUTION

The following two methods describe how to save a code module programmatically.

Method 1: Using the OutputTo method

1. Open the sample database Northwind.mdb.

2. Create a module and type the following line in the Declarations 

   section if it is not already there:

      Option Explicit
3. Type the following procedure: 

      Function SaveMod()
         DoCmd.OutputTo acOutputModule, "Utility Functions"
      End Function
4. To test this function, type the following line in the Debug window, 
   and then press ENTER.

       ?SaveMod()
5. The Output To dialog box appears and prompts you for the file name and 
   file type to save the Utility Functions module.

Method 2: Using the RunCommand Macro Action

1. Open the sample database Northwind.mdb.

2. Create the following new macro called SaveMod: 

      Macro Name      Action
      --------------------------
      SaveMod         OpenModule
                      RunCommand

      SaveMod Actions
      ---------------------------------
      OpenModule
         Module Name: Utility Functions
         Procedure Name: <Leave blank>
      RunCommand
         Command: SaveModuleAsText
3. Save the macro, and then run it.

4. The Save As Text dialog box appears and prompts you for the file name 

   and file type to save the Utility Functions module.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Open the sample database Northwind.mdb.

2. Create a module and type the following line in the Declarations 

   section if it is not already there:

      Option Explicit
3. Type the following procedure: 

      Function SaveModFail()
         DoCmd.OpenModule "Utility Functions"
         DoCmd.RunCommand acCmdSaveModuleAsText
      End Function
4. To test this function, type the following line in the Debug window, 
   and then press ENTER.

       ?SaveModFail()

   Note that you receive the following error message:

      The command or action 'SaveModuleAsText' isn't available now.

REFERENCES

For more information about the OutputTo method, search the Help Index for "OutputTo method."

For more information about the RunCommand method, search the Help Index for "RunCommand method."

Additional query words: 

Keywords          : kberrmsg kbprg MdlOthr PgmObj 
Version           : 97
Platform          : WINDOWS
Hardware          : x86
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: November 21, 1998