Using Scripts to Manage Excel's Error Checking Options

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Sample VBScript scripts that demonstrate how you can both retrieve and configure the Microsoft Excel 2003 Error Checking options.

Mapping the Dialog Box to the Excel Object Model

The options referenced in the following scripts correspond to the options found on the Error Checking tab of the Options dialog box. To access these options in Microsoft Excel 2003, click Tools, click Options and then click the Error Checking tab. A mapping between the options available in this dialog box and the Microsoft Excel object model is shown below.

Error Checking

The scripts shown on this page were tested using Microsoft Excel 2003. At least some of the functionality is likely to work on any version of Microsoft Excel that supports Visual Basic for Applications (VBA); however, the scripts have not been tested using any of these other versions.

Sample Code for Retrieving Values

Sample script that retrieves the configuration information found on the Error Checking tab in the Options dialog box in Microsoft Excel 2003.

Set objExcel = CreateObject("Excel.Application")

Wscript.Echo "Enable background error checking: " & _
    objExcel.ErrorCheckingOptions.BackgroundChecking
Wscript.Echo "Error indicator color: " & _
    objExcel.ErrorCheckingOptions.IndicatorColorIndex
Wscript.Echo "Evaluates to error value: " & _
    objExcel.ErrorCheckingOptions.EvaluateToError
Wscript.Echo "Text date with 2 digit years: " & _
    objExcel.ErrorCheckingOptions.TextDate
Wscript.Echo "Number stored as text: " & _
    objExcel.ErrorCheckingOptions.NumberAsText
Wscript.Echo "Inconsistent formula in region: " & _
    objExcel.ErrorCheckingOptions.InconsistentFormula
Wscript.Echo "Formula omits cells in region: " & _
    objExcel.ErrorCheckingOptions.OmittedCells
Wscript.Echo "Unlocked cells containing formulas: " & _
    objExcel.ErrorCheckingOptions.UnlockedFormulaCells
Wscript.Echo "Formulas referring to empty cells: " & _
    objExcel.ErrorCheckingOptions.EmptyCellReferences
Wscript.Echo "List data validation error: " & _
    objExcel.ErrorCheckingOptions.ListDataValidation

objExcel.Quit

Sample Code for Modifying Values

Sample script that enables error checking of formulas referring to empty cells.

Set objExcel = CreateObject("Excel.Application")

objExcel.ErrorCheckingOptions.EmptyCellReferences = TRUE

objExcel.Quit

The sample scripts are not supported under any Microsoft standard support program or service. The sample scripts are provided AS IS without warranty of any kind. Microsoft further disclaims all implied warranties including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk arising out of the use or performance of the sample scripts and documentation remains with you. In no event shall Microsoft, its authors, or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the scripts be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use the sample scripts or documentation, even if Microsoft has been advised of the possibility of such damages.