XL97: Error Running Macro to Modify Shape Text

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOM

When you run a Visual Basic for Applications macro that modifies the text of a shape object on a worksheet, you may receive the following error message:

   Run-time error '438':
   Object doesn't support this property or method

CAUSE

This problem occurs when you attempt to change the text of the shapes object using code similar to the following:

   ActiveSheet.Shapes("AutoShape1").Characters.Text = "Test"

WORKAROUND

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 macro example changes the text of a shape and runs without errors. Note that you must use the Textframe object in combination with the Shapes object in order to change the name without selecting the object as in the following code:

   Sub Test()

      ActiveSheet.Shapes("AutoShape1").Textframe.Characters.Text = "Test"

   End Sub

   Sub Test2()

      ActiveSheet.TextBoxes("AutoShape1").Characters.Text = "Test"

   End Sub

   Sub Test3()

      ActiveSheet.Shapes("AutoShape1").Select
      Selection.Characters.Text = "Test"

   End Sub

STATUS

This behavior is by design of Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows.