XL97: GetSaveAsFilename Method Returns Extra Character

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you use the GetSaveAsFilename or GetOpenFilename methods in a Visual Basic for Applications macro, Microsoft Excel may add a period (.) to the end of the string that is returned. When the period is appended, unexpected results may occur when you use the string as the file name argument for the SaveAs or Open methods.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if you do not add a file name extension to the file name that you type into the dialog box provided by GetSaveAsFilename or GetOpenFilename. For example, if you type "Test" (without the quotation marks), GetSaveAsFilename returns "Test." (without the quotation marks). If the macro passes this string to the SaveAs method, the macro does not add a file name extension to the file name when the file is saved. If you type a file name with a file name extension, such as "Test.xls" (without the quotation marks), a period is not added to the end of the string that is returned.

RESOLUTION

When you use the GetSaveAsFilename or GetOpenFilename method, determine whether there is a period at the end of the string that is returned and remove it if it is present. If the rightmost character is a period, strip it from the string before you pass it to the SaveAs method.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft provides examples of Visual Basic for Applications procedures 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. The Visual Basic procedures in this article are provided 'as is' and Microsoft does not guarantee that they can be used in all situations. While Microsoft support engineers can help explain the functionality of a particular macro, they will not modify these examples to provide added functionality, nor will they help you construct macros to meet your specific needs. If you have limited programming experience, you may want to consult one of the Microsoft Solution Providers. Solution Providers offer a wide range of fee-based services, including creating custom macros. For more information about Microsoft Solution Providers, call Microsoft Customer Information Service at (800) 426-9400.

The following sample macro code checks for a trailing period (.) in the string that is returned by the GetSaveAsFilename method. To use the macro, use the following steps:

1. Close and save any open workbooks, and then create a new workbook.

2. Start the Visual Basic Editor (press ALT+F11).

3. On the Insert menu, click Module.

4. Type the following code in the module:

         Sub Test()
   
             Dim FileIn as String
             Dim Fname as String
   
             'Display the Dialog box.
             FileIn = Application.GetSaveAsFilename
   
             'Check for a trailing period.
             If Right(FileIn, 1) = "." Then
   
                 'Remove the period from the string.
                 Fname = Left(FileIn, Len(FileIn) - 1)
   
             Else
                 Fname = FileIn
             End If
   
             'Pass the string Fname to the SaveAs method.
             ActiveWorkbook.SaveAs FileName:=Fname
   
         End Sub
   
   

REFERENCES

For more information about GetSaveAsFilename method, click the Office Assistant, type "getsaveasfilename", click Search, and then click to view "GetSaveAsFilename".

For more information about GetOpenFilename method, click the Office Assistant, type "getopenfilename", click Search, and then click to view "GetOpenFilename".

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Microsoft Excel Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q120802
   TITLE     : Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office
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