WD2000: Run-Time Error 438 When You Use WordBasic.CopyFile Command (237273)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2000

This article was previously published under Q237273

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Word 2000, when you use the WordBasic.CopyFile command, you receive the following error message:
Run-Time error '438':

Object doesn't support this property or method
For example, this problem occurs when you run the following macro code:
Sub Test()
   WordBasic.CopyFile "C:\My Documents\My Document.Doc", "C:\Backup\My Document.Doc"
End Sub
				

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use the Visual Basic for Applications FileCopy command. The FileCopy command allows a specified file to be copied to another directory location.

Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without warranty either expressed or implied. This includes, but is not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. This article assumes that you are familiar with the programming language that is being demonstrated and with the tools that are used to create and to debug procedures. Microsoft support engineers 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 requirements. For more information about how to use the sample code in this article, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

212536 OFF2000: How to Run Sample Code from Knowledge Base Articles

The following macro copies the file "My Document.Doc" from "C:\My Documents" to the folder "C:\Backup".

This example provides an error trap that alerts you when you need to take corrective steps to complete the operation.

Sub FileCopyExample()
   Dim sSourcePath As String
   Dim sTargetPath As String

   ' Change these paths to your Source and Target paths.
   sSourcePath = "C:\My Documents\My Document.Doc"
   sTargetPath = "C:\Backup\My Document.Doc"
   On Error Resume Next

   ' Copy the file.
   FileCopy sSourcePath, sTargetPath

   If Err > 0 Then MsgBox Err.Description
End Sub
				
NOTE: If you try to use the FileCopy statement on a file that is currently open, you receive the following error message:
Permission Denied
Unlike the WordBasic.CopyFile command, if a file of the same name already exists in the target directory, Word does not display a message asking whether you want to replace the existing file.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/17/2005
Keywords:kbbug kbdtacode kbmacroexample kbpending KB237273