XL97: Macro Error Using ActiveCell in a Binder or Embedded File (157316)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q157316

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

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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
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/11/2006
Keywords:kberrmsg KB157316
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