Microsoft KB Archive/213835

= XL2000: ShowDataForm Method Fails if Data Cannot Be Found =

Article ID: 213835

Article Last Modified on 11/23/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Excel 2000 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q213835





SYMPTOMS
In Microsoft Excel 2000, when you use the Microsoft Visual Basic ShowDataForm method, you may receive one of the following error messages:

Run-time error '1004':

ShowDataForm method of Worksheet class failed

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400



CAUSE
This behavior can occur because Excel is unable to find a data list on the worksheet that you specified in the Visual Basic statement.

When you use the ShowDataForm method, Excel looks for the data list in two places:
 * The defined name "Database." If a range has been defined as the database, Excel displays the data form, and the data in that range is accessible.
 * Cells A1:B2 on the specified worksheet. Excel attempts to find a list whose upper-left corner lies in the range A1:B2. If a list is found, Excel displays the data form, and the data in the list is accessible.



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 professionals 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 a Microsoft Certified Partner or the Microsoft fee-based consulting line at (800) 936-5200. For more information about Microsoft Certified Partners, please visit the following Microsoft Web site:

https://partner.microsoft.com/global/30000104

For more information about the support options that are available and about how to contact Microsoft, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

To work around this behavior, define your data with the defined name "Database," or move your data so that its upper-left corner is located in any of the four cells in the range A1:B2.

To Define Your Data with the Defined Name "Database"

 * 1) Select the range that contains your data.
 * 2) On the Insert menu, point to Name, and then click Define.
 * 3) In the Name box, type  !Database, where   is the name of the active worksheet.
 * 4) Click OK to accept the change.

When you run the ShowDataForm method and specify the worksheet, the data form is displayed with the correct data.

To automate the preceding process, select the data that you want included in your database (including column headings), and then include the following in your Visual Basic procedure: ActiveWorkbook.Names.Add Name:=ActiveSheet.Name & _ "!Database", RefersToR1C1:=Selection ActiveSheet.ShowDataForm NOTE: For information about variations that you can use for this code, see the "More Information" section.



MORE INFORMATION
The Visual Basic ShowDataForm method is used to display a data form. You can use a data form to view a list of data or to enter new data into a list. You may use the ShowDataForm method in either of the following ways:

ActiveSheet.ShowDataForm

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Worksheets("Sheet1").ShowDataForm

