Microsoft KB Archive/187357

= XL97: "Compile error: Expected function or variable" with FindFile Method =

Article ID: 187357

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 Q187357



SYMPTOMS
In Microsoft Excel 97, when you run a Visual Basic for Applications procedure to determine whether a file has been opened, you may receive the following error message:

Compile error: Expected function or variable



CAUSE
This problem may occur if you are using the FindFile method in a Visual Basic procedure similar to the following Sub Test result = Application.FindFile End Sub where "result" is the variable evaluating True or False, indicating whether or not a workbook has been opened.



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 workaround this problem, call the FindFile dialog through the Show method, using code similar to the following: Sub test

result=Application.Dialogs(xlDialogFindFile).Show

End test The variable "result" can then be evaluated as True or False.



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows.



MORE INFORMATION
In the Microsoft Excel 97 Visual Basic Help file, the FindFile method is described as follows:

This method displays the Open dialog box and allows the user to open a file. If a new file is opened successfully, this method returns True. If the user cancels the dialog box, this method returns False.

