XL: Can't Use xlConstant Names in Variables in VB Code

• Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition
• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
• Microsoft Excel for Windows NT, version 5.0
• Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications, string variables that contain Microsoft Excel constant names cannot be used to set properties in Visual Basic code. For example, if you want to show the Open dialog box, the following code will not work:

   Dim var As String
   var = "xlDialogOpen"
   Application.Dialogs(var).show

   Dialogs Method of Application Class Failed

   -or-

   Object variable not set

CAUSE

This problem occurs because Microsoft Excel constant names are not actually handled as strings, but rather as the values that they represent.

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 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 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/default.asp

   Dim var As Integer
   var = xlDialogOpen ' Note the absence of quotation marks.
   Application.Dialogs(var).Show

REFERENCES

Microsoft Press: "Developing Microsoft Excel 5 Solutions," pages 615-638