XL97: "Compile error: Expected function or variable" w/ FindFile

ID: Q187357

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

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SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel 97, when you run a Visual Basic for Applications procedure to determine whether a file has been opened, you may receive the following error message:

   Compile error:

   Expected function or variable

CAUSE

This problem may occur if you are using the FindFile method in a Visual Basic procedure similar to the following

   Sub Test()
      result = Application.FindFile
   End Sub

where "result" is the variable evaluating True or False, indicating whether or not a workbook has been opened.

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/

To workaround this problem, call the FindFile dialog through the Show method, using code similar to the following:

   Sub test()

      result=Application.Dialogs(xlDialogFindFile).Show

   End test

The variable "result" can then be evaluated as True or False.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

In the Microsoft Excel 97 Visual Basic Help file, the FindFile method is described as follows:

   This method displays the Open dialog box and allows the user to open a
   file. If a new file is opened successfully, this method returns True. If
   the user cancels the dialog box, this method returns False.

REFERENCES

For more information about the FindFile method, click the Office Assistant, type "FindFile method" click Search, and then click to view "FindFile Method."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Microsoft Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q120802
   TITLE     : Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office
               Program or Component

Additional query words: XL97

Keywords          : kbdta xlvbainfo 
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbpending

Last Reviewed: May 17, 1999