XL97: Run-Time Error Using SpecialCells Method with Protection (168842)

WORKAROUND

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Method 1: Use the SendKeys Statement

Some of the SpecialCells constants have keyboard equivalents that can be selected by pressing a specific key combination. For example, to select the last cell in the used range using the SpecialCells method, the xlCellTypeLastCell constant is used. This operation can be simulated on the worksheet by pressing the CTRL+END key combination. Using the SendKeys statement, a macro can simulate pressing this key combination. The following is a macro that provides an example of pressing the CTRL+END key combination and will operate when the worksheet contents are protected:

   Sub Test()
      Application.SendKeys "^{END}"
   End Sub
				

The following example simulates the xlCellTypeNotes constant of the SpecialCells method by pressing the CTRL+SHIFT+O key combination:

   Sub Test2()
      Application.SendKeys "^+O"
   End Sub
				

The other constants (xlCellTypeConstants, xlCellTypeFormulas, xlCellTypeBlanks, and xlCellTypeVisible) cannot be simulated by using key combinations.

Method 2: Unprotect the Worksheet

If the SpecialCells method is used on a worksheet with the contents protected, the macro will produce the error listed in the "Symptoms" section of this article. To avoid this error, unprotect the sheet before using the SpecialCells method. Reapply the protection once the cells have been selected. This example unprotects the sheet, selects all blank cells in the used range, and then protects the sheet:

   Sub Test3()
      ActiveSheet.Unprotect
      Selection.SpecialCells(xlCellTypeBlanks).Select
      ActiveSheet.Protect DrawingObjects:=True, Contents:=True, _
         Scenarios:=True
   End Sub
				

NOTE: If the worksheet is protected by a password, you must supply the password as an argument for the Unprotect method.