XL97: Macro Error Using Show Method with AutoShape Selected (166143)

WORKAROUND

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The xlDialogPatterns dialog box is not available for use with new drawing objects and AutoShapes in Microsoft Excel 97. However, it may be possible in some cases to display the Format AutoShape dialog box by using a line of code similar to the following:

   Sub Test1()
       SendKeys "^1", True
   End Sub
				

If the drawing object or AutoShape is selected when this line of code is executed, the Format AutoShape dialog box will be displayed, and you can format the AutoShape. When you click OK or Cancel, the macro will continue.

If you have not renamed any of your drawing objects or AutoShapes, you can use code similar to the following to display the correct dialog box:

   Sub Test2()

       'If the name of the drawing object begins with "AutoShape", then...
       If Left(Selection.Name, 9) = "AutoShape" Then

           '...use SendKeys to display the dialog box.
           SendKeys "^1", True

       'Otherwise, use the traditional method.
       Else
           Application.Dialogs(xlDialogPatterns).Show

       End If

   End Sub
				

Note that these methods may not always work, since it is not always possible to guarantee that the sent keys will produce the desired result. Note also that the SendKeys method is not available in Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh.