XL97: Error Running Macro to Modify Shape Text

ID: Q167990

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOM

When you run a Visual Basic for Applications macro that modifies the text of a shape object on a worksheet, you may receive the following error message:

   Run-time error '438':
   Object doesn't support this property or method

CAUSE

This problem occurs when you attempt to change the text of the shapes object using code similar to the following:

   ActiveSheet.Shapes("AutoShape1").Characters.Text = "Test"

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/support/supportnet/refguide/

The following macro example changes the text of a shape and runs without errors. Note that you must use the Textframe object in combination with the Shapes object in order to change the name without selecting the object as in the following code:

   Sub Test()

      ActiveSheet.Shapes("AutoShape1").Textframe.Characters.Text = "Test"

   End Sub

You may also use the TextBoxes object to change the name of the shape as in the following code:

   Sub Test2()

      ActiveSheet.TextBoxes("AutoShape1").Characters.Text = "Test"

   End Sub

The following example first selects the shape, and then changes the name of the shape:

   Sub Test3()

      ActiveSheet.Shapes("AutoShape1").Select
      Selection.Characters.Text = "Test"

   End Sub

STATUS

This behavior is by design of Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows.

Additional query words: XL97 8.0 8.00 vba vbe

Keywords          : kberrmsg kbprg kbdta KbVBA 
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: May 18, 1999