Microsoft KB Archive/167990

= XL97: Error Running Macro to Modify Shape Text =

Article ID: 167990

Article Last Modified on 11/23/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Excel 97 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q167990



SYMPTOMS
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 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

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 You may also use the TextBoxes object to change the name of the shape as in the following code: Sub Test2

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

End Sub The following example first selects the shape, and then changes the name of the shape: Sub Test3

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

End Sub



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

Additional query words: XL97 8.0 8.00 vba vbe Run time error 438 Object doesn t support this property or method

Keywords: kbdtacode kberrmsg kbprb kbprogramming KB167990

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