Microsoft KB Archive/186375

= XL98: Run-Time Error Using SpecialCells Method with Protection =

Article ID: 186375

Article Last Modified on 10/10/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Excel 98 for Macintosh

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This article was previously published under Q186375



SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to use the SpecialCells method in a Visual Basic for Applications macro in Microsoft Excel, you may receive the following error message:

Run-time error '1004':

You cannot use this command on a protected sheet. To unprotect the sheet, use the Unprotect Sheet command (Tools menu, Protection submenu). You may be prompted for a password.



CAUSE
This problem occurs if the following conditions are true:


 * You are running a Visual Basic for Applications macro that selects cells by using the SpecialCells method. -and-


 * The contents of the active worksheet are currently protected.



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



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition.

