XL97: Macro Error Using ActiveCell in a Binder or Embedded File

ID: Q157316

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
Microsoft Office 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you run a macro in a Microsoft Excel workbook that is part of a Microsoft Binder file or that is embedded in a document in another program, you may receive the following error message:

   Run-time error '91':
   Object variable or With block variable not set

CAUSE

This problem occurs when both of the following conditions are true:

The macro line that causes the error uses ActiveCell or ActiveSheet.
-and-
You run the macro from the Visual Basic Editor.

NOTE: If you run the macro when the Office Binder window or the other program's window is active, you do not receive the error message.

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 run the macro in the Visual Basic Editor, modify the macro by specifying the worksheet in which you want to use the ActiveCell or ActiveSheet property. For example, if the macro contains the following code:

   Sub Test()
       ActiveCell.Value = "my value"
   End Sub

modify the macro as shown in the following example:

   Sub Test()
       Thisworkbook.Sheets("Sheet1").Activate
       ActiveCell.Value = "it works"
   End Sub

NOTE: You must specify the sheet in which you want to use the ActiveCell property.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

This problem is likely to occur when you record a macro that contains the ActiveCell property, and you then run the recorded macro from the Visual Basic Editor.

When you type text or a number in a cell, the macro recorder uses the ActiveCell property. The following macro is recorded when you select cell B1 and type "hello" in the cell:

   Sub Macro1()
       Range("B1").Select
       ActiveCell.FormulaR1C1 = "hello"
       Range("B2").Select
   End Sub

Additional query words: XL97

Keywords          : kbdta KbVBA offbinder 
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Platform          : WINDOWS

Last Reviewed: May 18, 1999