How to run a string as a command in VBA - excel

I have this simple VBA code below, and I don't know why is not working.
Sub Run()
test = "MsgBox" & """" & "Job Done!" & """"
Application.Run test
End Sub
What I want to do is to put the VBA Command into a variable as text and run it as a command. In this case, I want to run like MsgBox "Job Done!" and print just:
Job Done!

You may be tempted by adding your own string "Executer":
Sub StringExecute(s As String)
Dim vbComp As Object
Set vbComp = ThisWorkbook.VBProject.VBComponents.Add(1)
vbComp.CodeModule.AddFromString "Sub foo()" & vbCrLf & s & vbCrLf & "End Sub"
Application.Run vbComp.name & ".foo"
ThisWorkbook.VBProject.VBComponents.Remove vbComp
End Sub
Sub Testing()
StringExecute "MsgBox" & """" & "Job Done!" & """"
End Sub

Short answer is, you cannot do that (You should not do that) but ... read the following to find out why and see a work around!
As you know you are writing your code in a compiler. What you want to do is running human-legible line of text as a command which is not possible. While you run the program all of it is compiled to machine language. When you pass that line of text to it, it cannot recognize it as a command and you will end up getting an error. What you can do is passing arguments to it:
Sub Run()
test = "Job Done"
MsgBox(test)
End Sub
You can also run an executable which can be written as a text file within a macro and then runs within the same Sub (extension needs to be taken care of).
If you cannot change the variable (i.e. test) then you need to take another approach towards it. I would suggest something like extracting the argument which can be passed to the function and use that. Something like below;
Sub Run()
test = "MsgBox" & """" & "Job Done!" & """"
extest = Right(test, Len(test) - 7)
MsgBox (extest)
End Sub
I believe there was a same question on SO but I couldn't find it. I will included it as a reference if found it.
P.S. These two posts may help to find an answer:
Access VBA - Evaluate function with string arguments
Excel VBA - How to run a string as a line of code
ANOTHER SOLUTION
This needs to trust the VB project. Quoting from ExcelForum and referencing to Programmatic Access To Visual Basic Project Is Not Trusted - Excel
Quote:
Place your Macro-Enabled Workbook in a folder which you can designate
as macro friendly.
Then open the workbook.
Click on the Office Button -> Excel Options ->
Trust Center -> Trust Center Setting -> Trusted Locations.
Then you add your folder (where you have your Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook) as
a trusted location.
Also you need to do this:
File -> Options -> Trust Center -> Trust Center Setting -> Macro Setting ->
Check the box beside "Trust access to the VBA project object model"
Close and re-open your workbook.
Those who use your macro should go through the same steps.
Unquote.
Then you can use this which I got from VBA - Execute string as command in Excel (This is not tested)
Sub test()
Set VBComp = ThisWorkbook.VBProject.VBComponents.Add(vbext_ct_StdModule)
VBComp.Name = "NewModule"
Set VBCodeMod = ThisWorkbook.VBProject.VBComponents("NewModule").CodeModule
Dim test As String
test = "MsgBox " & """" & "Job Done!" & """"
With VBCodeMod
LineNum = .CountOfLines + 1
.InsertLines LineNum, _
"Sub MyNewProcedure()" & Chr(13) & test & Chr(13) & "End Sub"
End With
'run the new module
Application.Run "MyNewProcedure"
UserForm1.Show
'Delete the created module
ThisWorkbook.VBProject.VBComponents.Remove VBComp
End Sub
#A.S.H answer does the thing that last solution intends to implement. I am including it here for the sake of completeness. You can refer to the original answer and up-vote it.
Public Sub StringExecute(s As String)
Dim vbComp As Object
Set vbComp = ThisWorkbook.VBProject.VBComponents.Add(1)
vbComp.CodeModule.AddFromString "Sub foo" & vbCrLf & s & vbCrLf & "End Sub"
Application.Run vbComp.name & ".foo"
ThisWorkbook.VBProject.VBComponents.Remove vbComp
End Sub
Sub Testing()
StringExecute "MsgBox" & """" & "Job Done!" & """"
End Sub

If you need a solution which doesn't require special permissions, and has significantly more power than hard coding code, I maintain a library, stdLambda from stdVBA, for this kind of thing:
'Ensure module name is "mainModule"
Public Sub Main()
Call stdLambda.bindGlobal("msgbox", stdCallback.CreateFromModule("mainModule","msgbox"))
x = stdLambda.Create("msgbox(""hello world"")").Run()
End Sub
Public Function msgbox(ByVal sMessage as string) as long
msgbox = VBA.msgbox(sMessage)
End Function
stdLambda syntax is vba-like but is a fully embedded programming language in its own right. See the documentation for more details.

I was up against a similar variation: the macro name was in a 'control specification' worksheet table. A custom ribbon was added with an 'onAction' parameter in the ribbon XML. The 'tag' Name was returned in the Ribbon call back macro that was then used to lookup the macro Name to run based on the XML tag name. Makes sense so far!!!! I already had the handling subs in an existing Code Module=[m0_RibbonCallBack]. In the [m0_RibbonCallBack] module I wanted to run the sub name=[mResetToCellA2] when I clicked the ribbon button with tagName=[Reset2CellA2]. In the 'control specification' worksheet table I did a vLookUp() on the tagname=[Reset2CellA2] and returned the string value from column 3 (onAction) ="mResetToCellA2". Now I need to run the macro string (macroName) name on the VBA side!!!
I wound up solving the challenge with this simple line:
Application.Run "m0_RibbonCallBack." & macroName
Cheers!

Related

Run Macro in another excel, but fail to return to current sub after the called Macro completed

ParentExcel.xlsm has sub to call a sub in ChildExcel1.xlsm and ChildExcel2.xlsm
//in ParentExcel.xlsm
Sub ParentSub()
Set runWorkbook = Workbooks.Open(Filename:=mChildPath)
Application.Run runWorkbookName & "!" & ChildSub1
/*Edit*/Set runWorkbook2 = Workbooks.Open(Filename:=mChildPath2)
Application.Run runWorkbookName2 & "!" & ChildSub2
End sub
//in ChildExcel1.xlsm
Sub ChildSub1()
MsgBox "Called ChildSub1"
/*Added*/ThisWorkbook.Close
End sub
//in ChildExcel2.xlsm
Sub ChildSub2()
MsgBox "Called ChildSub2"
/*Added*/ThisWorkbook.Close
End sub
My problem is, the procedure stopped after completion of ChildSub1() and the ChildExcel1.xlsm is closed. I then cannot execute the remaining code in the ParentSub()
If you close the Workbook where the code is in (runWorkbook), the execution stops (VBA is single threaded and with the close statement in ChildSub1 the runtime assumes you're done).
You will need to put the close statement into the calling routine - which is cleaner anyhow as with this, the routine that opens the workbook also closes it.
Note that you use runWorkbookName which is neiter defined nor set in the code you show us. You could use the following code instead:
Set runWorkbook = Workbooks.Open(Filename:=mChildPath)
Application.Run runWorkbook.Name & "!" & ChildSub1
runWorkbook.Close
Set runWorkbook2 = Workbooks.Open(Filename:=mChildPath2)
Application.Run runWorkboo2.kName & "!" & ChildSub2
runWorkbook2.Close
In order to call subs from closed workbooks, please use the next way. Using their full name will make the call opening the necessary workbook. If they will be already open, the code will work, too:
Sub ParentSub()
dim mChildPath as string, mChildPath2 as string
mChildPath = "full name of the workbook" 'please fill here the real path
mChildPath2 = "full name of the second workbook" 'the same as above
Application.Run "'" & mChildPath & "'!" & "ChildSub1"
Application.Run "'" & mChildPath2 & "'!" & "ChildSub2"
End sub
Now, making the calls, the necessary workbooks will be open and they will be closed by their called Sub...

Automatically enable library [duplicate]

I've written a program that runs and messages Skype with information when if finishes. I need to add a reference for Skype4COM.dll in order to send a message through Skype. We have a dozen or so computers on a network and a shared file server (among other things). All of the other computers need to be able to run this program. I was hoping to avoid setting up the reference by hand. I had planned on putting the reference in a shared location, and adding it programmatically when the program ran.
I can't seem to figure out how to add a reference programmatically to Excel 2007 using VBA. I know how to do it manually: Open VBE --> Tools --> References --> browse --_> File Location and Name. But that's not very useful for my purposes. I know there are ways to do it in Access Vb.net and code similar to this kept popping up, but I'm not sure I understand it, or if it's relevant:
ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References.AddFromGuid _
GUID:="{0002E157-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}", _
Major:=5, Minor:=3
So far, in the solutions presented, in order to add the reference programmatically I will need to add a reference by hand and change the Trust Center - which is more than just adding the reference. Though I guess if I follow through with the solutions proposed I will be able to add future references programmatically. Which probably makes it worth the effort.
Any further thoughts would be great.
Ommit
There are two ways to add references via VBA to your projects
1) Using GUID
2) Directly referencing the dll.
Let me cover both.
But first these are 3 things you need to take care of
a) Macros should be enabled
b) In Security settings, ensure that "Trust Access To Visual Basic Project" is checked
c) You have manually set a reference to `Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications Extensibility" object
Way 1 (Using GUID)
I usually avoid this way as I have to search for the GUID in the registry... which I hate LOL. More on GUID here.
Topic: Add a VBA Reference Library via code
Link: http://www.vbaexpress.com/kb/getarticle.php?kb_id=267
'Credits: Ken Puls
Sub AddReference()
'Macro purpose: To add a reference to the project using the GUID for the
'reference library
Dim strGUID As String, theRef As Variant, i As Long
'Update the GUID you need below.
strGUID = "{00020905-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"
'Set to continue in case of error
On Error Resume Next
'Remove any missing references
For i = ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References.Count To 1 Step -1
Set theRef = ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References.Item(i)
If theRef.isbroken = True Then
ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References.Remove theRef
End If
Next i
'Clear any errors so that error trapping for GUID additions can be evaluated
Err.Clear
'Add the reference
ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References.AddFromGuid _
GUID:=strGUID, Major:=1, Minor:=0
'If an error was encountered, inform the user
Select Case Err.Number
Case Is = 32813
'Reference already in use. No action necessary
Case Is = vbNullString
'Reference added without issue
Case Else
'An unknown error was encountered, so alert the user
MsgBox "A problem was encountered trying to" & vbNewLine _
& "add or remove a reference in this file" & vbNewLine & "Please check the " _
& "references in your VBA project!", vbCritical + vbOKOnly, "Error!"
End Select
On Error GoTo 0
End Sub
Way 2 (Directly referencing the dll)
This code adds a reference to Microsoft VBScript Regular Expressions 5.5
Option Explicit
Sub AddReference()
Dim VBAEditor As VBIDE.VBE
Dim vbProj As VBIDE.VBProject
Dim chkRef As VBIDE.Reference
Dim BoolExists As Boolean
Set VBAEditor = Application.VBE
Set vbProj = ActiveWorkbook.VBProject
'~~> Check if "Microsoft VBScript Regular Expressions 5.5" is already added
For Each chkRef In vbProj.References
If chkRef.Name = "VBScript_RegExp_55" Then
BoolExists = True
GoTo CleanUp
End If
Next
vbProj.References.AddFromFile "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vbscript.dll\3"
CleanUp:
If BoolExists = True Then
MsgBox "Reference already exists"
Else
MsgBox "Reference Added Successfully"
End If
Set vbProj = Nothing
Set VBAEditor = Nothing
End Sub
Note: I have not added Error Handling. It is recommended that in your actual code, do use it :)
EDIT Beaten by mischab1 :)
There are two ways to add references using VBA. .AddFromGuid(Guid, Major, Minor) and .AddFromFile(Filename). Which one is best depends on what you are trying to add a reference to. I almost always use .AddFromFile because the things I am referencing are other Excel VBA Projects and they aren't in the Windows Registry.
The example code you are showing will add a reference to the workbook the code is in. I generally don't see any point in doing that because 90% of the time, before you can add the reference, the code has already failed to compile because the reference is missing. (And if it didn't fail-to-compile, you are probably using late binding and you don't need to add a reference.)
If you are having problems getting the code to run, there are two possible issues.
In order to easily use the VBE's object model, you need to add a reference to Microsoft Visual Basic for Application Extensibility. (VBIDE)
In order to run Excel VBA code that changes anything in a VBProject, you need to Trust access to the VBA Project Object Model. (In Excel 2010, it is located in the Trust Center - Macro Settings.)
Aside from that, if you can be a little more clear on what your question is or what you are trying to do that isn't working, I could give a more specific answer.
Browsing the registry for guids or using paths, which method is best. If browsing the registry is no longer necessary, won't it be the better way to use guids?
Office is not always installed in the same directory. The installation path can be manually altered. Also the version number is a part of the path.
I could have never predicted that Microsoft would ever add '(x86)' to 'Program Files' before the introduction of 64 bits processors.
If possible I would try to avoid using a path.
The code below is derived from Siddharth Rout's answer, with an additional function to list all the references that are used in the active workbook.
What if I open my workbook in a later version of Excel? Will the workbook still work without adapting the VBA code?
I have already checked that the guids for office 2003 and 2010 are identical. Let's hope that Microsoft doesn't change guids in future versions.
The arguments 0,0 (from .AddFromGuid) should use the latest version of a reference (which I have not been able to test).
What are your thoughts? Of course we cannot predict the future but what can we do to make our code version proof?
Sub AddReferences(wbk As Workbook)
' Run DebugPrintExistingRefs in the immediate pane, to show guids of existing references
AddRef wbk, "{00025E01-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}", "DAO"
AddRef wbk, "{00020905-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}", "Word"
AddRef wbk, "{91493440-5A91-11CF-8700-00AA0060263B}", "PowerPoint"
End Sub
Sub AddRef(wbk As Workbook, sGuid As String, sRefName As String)
Dim i As Integer
On Error GoTo EH
With wbk.VBProject.References
For i = 1 To .Count
If .Item(i).Name = sRefName Then
Exit For
End If
Next i
If i > .Count Then
.AddFromGuid sGuid, 0, 0 ' 0,0 should pick the latest version installed on the computer
End If
End With
EX: Exit Sub
EH: MsgBox "Error in 'AddRef'" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & err.Description
Resume EX
Resume ' debug code
End Sub
Public Sub DebugPrintExistingRefs()
Dim i As Integer
With Application.ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References
For i = 1 To .Count
Debug.Print " AddRef wbk, """ & .Item(i).GUID & """, """ & .Item(i).Name & """"
Next i
End With
End Sub
The code above does not need the reference to the "Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications Extensibility" object anymore.
Here is how to get the Guid's programmatically! You can then use these guids/filepaths with an above answer to add the reference!
Reference: http://www.vbaexpress.com/kb/getarticle.php?kb_id=278
Sub ListReferencePaths()
'Lists path and GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) for each referenced library.
'Select a reference in Tools > References, then run this code to get GUID etc.
Dim rw As Long, ref
With ThisWorkbook.Sheets(1)
.Cells.Clear
rw = 1
.Range("A" & rw & ":D" & rw) = Array("Reference","Version","GUID","Path")
For Each ref In ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References
rw = rw + 1
.Range("A" & rw & ":D" & rw) = Array(ref.Description, _
"v." & ref.Major & "." & ref.Minor, ref.GUID, ref.FullPath)
Next ref
.Range("A:D").Columns.AutoFit
End With
End Sub
Here is the same code but printing to the terminal if you don't want to dedicate a worksheet to the output.
Sub ListReferencePaths()
'Macro purpose: To determine full path and Globally Unique Identifier (GUID)
'to each referenced library. Select the reference in the Tools\References
'window, then run this code to get the information on the reference's library
On Error Resume Next
Dim i As Long
Debug.Print "Reference name" & " | " & "Full path to reference" & " | " & "Reference GUID"
For i = 1 To ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References.Count
With ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References(i)
Debug.Print .Name & " | " & .FullPath & " | " & .GUID
End With
Next i
On Error GoTo 0
End Sub

Parameter transmission from Excel into Macro

I am making a Macro in VBA (Excel 2016 32bit + Windows 10 Pro) that fires when Workbook.NewSheet event occurs.
This Macro must rename Sheet.CodeName property of every new sheet.
The problem is that when I run my Macro in breaking mode, step by step, it works perfectly.
But it can’t rename Sheet.CodeName property after VB Editor (VBE) is closed. Simply Sheet.CodeName property is empty, so Macro doesn’t know what sheet must have to renamed. If I open VBE and, doing nothing, close it again, Macro runs rightly.
And next, this Macro works correctly with Workbook.Open and Workbook.SheetChange events. Only Workbook.NewSheet event gives a trouble.
Give me a suggest, please, if you know, how I can improve parameter transmit from Excel to my Macro behind closed VBE.
Hi!
Thank You for want to helping me!
The code is very easy.
The goal is - get properly value of sh_CodeName property in message window
when VBE is closed.
Current code:
Private Sub Workbook_NewSheet(ByVal sh As Object)
NewSheet sh
End Sub
Option Explicit
Sub NewSheet(ByVal sh As Object)
Dim sh_CodeName As String, sh_Name As String, i As Integer
sh_CodeName = sh.CodeName: sh_Name = sh.Name
MsgBox "Code Name - " & sh_CodeName & vbCrLf & "Name - " & sh_Name, vbOKOnly, "MESSAGE FROM WorkBook.NewSheet"
End Sub
It seems that sh.codename is not available after adding a new sheet as long as one has not accessed the VBA project. Maybe someone else hase more on this.
This code works for me but has the disadvantage that you need to trust access to the VBA project object model.
Sub NewSheet(ByVal Sh As Object)
Dim sh_CodeName As String, sh_Name As String, i As Integer
sh_CodeName = ActiveWorkbook.VBProject.VBComponents(Sh.Name).Properties("_Codename")
sh_Name = Sh.Name
MsgBox "Code Name - " & sh_CodeName & vbCrLf & "Name - " & sh_Name, vbOKOnly, "MESSAGE FROM WorkBook.NewSheet"
End Sub
Even this simple macro will not give a codename when run with closed VBE
Sub TestAddIt()
Dim sh As Worksheet
Set sh = ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets.Add
MsgBox sh.Name & " - " & sh.CodeName
End Sub
PS: Another workaround could be to open the VBE and close it again but you still need access to the VBA project
Sub TestAddIt()
Dim Sh As Worksheet
Set Sh = ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets.Add
With Application.VBE.MainWindow
.WindowState = 1
.Visible = True
.Visible = False
End With
MsgBox Sh.Name & " - " & Sh.CodeName
End Sub
Update: This also worked for me.
Sub TestAddIt()
Dim Sh As Worksheet
Set Sh = ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets.Add
' Recompile the project
Application.VBE.CommandBars.FindControl(ID:=578).Execute
MsgBox Sh.Name & " - " & Sh.CodeName
End Sub
You help me with this statement.
sh_CodeName = ActiveWorkbook.VBProject.VBComponents(Sh.Name).Properties("_Codename")
I modified it slightly (Sh.CodeName instead of Sh.Name). And added a delay.
Sub Check_NewSheet(ByVal sh As Object)
Dim sh_CodeName As String, sh_Name As String, i As Integer
On Error Resume Next
sh_CodeName = ThisWorkbook.VBProject.VBComponents(sh.CodeName).Properties("_Codename")
If Err.number > 0 Then
i = 0
Do While sh_CodeName = ""
sh_CodeName = ThisWorkbook.VBProject.VBComponents(sh.CodeName).Properties("_Codename")
DoEvents
i = i + 1
Loop
End If
sh_Name = sh.Name
MsgBox "Code Name - " & sh_CodeName & vbCrLf & "Name - " & sh_Name & vbCrLf & _
"Attempts - " & i, vbOKOnly, "MESSAGE FROM WorkBook.NewSheet"
End Sub
It works pretty good now. It is quite well as an interim solution.
But I still interested to find out an explanation what is wrong in the Excel to Macro communication.
So, if you will find one, please, share it with me.

VBA macro which writes a new macro from string on the fly

Is it possible to create Excel VBA macro from a string variable?
Suppose we have FirstMacro:
Sub FirstMacro()
Dim MyString
MyString = "Sub SecondMacro()" & Chr(13) & Chr(10) & "MsgBox " & Chr(34) & "Hello" & Chr(34) & Chr(13) & Chr(10) & "End Sub"
Debug.Print MyString
'Here be code that magicly creates SecondMacro
End Sub
Running the macro, I want to create SecondMacro which is stored in VBA string variable. The second macro can be created either below in the same module or in a new module.
So the second macro from string looks like this:
Sub SecondMacro()
MsgBox "Hello"
End Sub
Sure is possible. It should be noted that you can't add/delete from the module you're running code in.
This will append the code at the end of the module. If you can avoid this though you should, I only use it for adding code to buttons that I've added programatically.
With Workbooks(ThisWorkbook.Name).VBProject.VBComponents("MyModuleHere").CodeModule
.InsertLines .CountOfLines + 1, "Sub... End Sub"
End With
So to add to the "MyModuleHere" code module (assuming you have a module named that), drop this in:
Sub addcode()
Dim subtext As String
subtext = "Sub PrintStuff" & vbCrLf & "msgbox ""Hello World""" & vbCrLf & "End Sub"
With Workbooks(ThisWorkbook.Name).VBProject.VBComponents("MyModuleHere").CodeModule
.InsertLines .CountOfLines + 1, subtext
End With
End Sub
As usual, CPearson adds some really useful insight:
http://www.cpearson.com/excel/vbe.aspx
With regard to removing code, which I think you're hinting at in your comment, I use the below function to find a sub name, and remove it (this assumes that I will know the length of the sub):
Function ClearModule(strShapeName As String)
Dim start As Long
Dim Lines As Long
Dim i As Variant, a As Variant
With Workbooks(ThisWorkbook.Name).VBProject.VBComponents("MyModuleHere").CodeModule
For i = .CountOfLines To 1 Step -1
If Left(.Lines(i, 1), 8 + Len(strShapeName)) = "Sub " & strShapeName & "_Cli" Then
.DeleteLines i, 6
End If
Next
End With
End Function
Here you have more or less all variations which, hopefully, will solve your problem. To test this code copy all of it in a normal code module (by default "Module1") Rename it as "Remin" and write "FirstMacro" in cell A1 of the worksheet you activate, a number in cell A2. Then run the first of the following procedures directly from the VBE window.
Sub SelectMacroToRun()
' 04 Apr 2017
Dim MacroName As String
Dim Arg1 As String
Dim Outcome As Long
With ActiveSheet
MacroName = .Cells(1, 1).Value
Arg1 = .Cells(2, 1).Value
End With
On Error Resume Next
Outcome = Application.Run(ActiveSheet.name & "." & MacroName, Arg1)
If Err Then
MsgBox "The macro """ & MacroName & """ wasn't found", _
vbInformation, "Error message"
Else
If Outcome <> xlNone Then MsgBox "Outcome = " & Outcome
End If
End Sub
Private Function FirstMacro(Optional ByVal Dummy As String) As Long
MsgBox "First Macro"
FirstMacro = xlNone
End Function
Private Function SecondMacro(Arg1 As Long) As Long
MsgBox "Second Macro" & vbCr & _
"Argument is " & Arg1
SecondMacro = Arg1 * 111
End Function
The code will run the FirstMacro, reading the name from the worksheet. Change that name to "SecondMacro" to call the second macro instead. The second macro requires an argument, the first only accepts it and does nothing with it. You don't need to pass any argument, but this code shows how to pass (as many as you want, comma separated) and it also shows how to ignore it - the argument is passed to a dummy variable in the FirstMacro, and the function also returns nothing.
Application.Run "Remin" & MacroName, Arg1
Would just run the macro (it could be a sub). Omit the argument if you don't want to pass an argument. "Remin" is the name of the code sheet where the called macro resides. This name could be extended to include the name of another workbook. However, if the called macro isn't in the same module as the caller it can't be Private.

How to add a reference programmatically using VBA

I've written a program that runs and messages Skype with information when if finishes. I need to add a reference for Skype4COM.dll in order to send a message through Skype. We have a dozen or so computers on a network and a shared file server (among other things). All of the other computers need to be able to run this program. I was hoping to avoid setting up the reference by hand. I had planned on putting the reference in a shared location, and adding it programmatically when the program ran.
I can't seem to figure out how to add a reference programmatically to Excel 2007 using VBA. I know how to do it manually: Open VBE --> Tools --> References --> browse --_> File Location and Name. But that's not very useful for my purposes. I know there are ways to do it in Access Vb.net and code similar to this kept popping up, but I'm not sure I understand it, or if it's relevant:
ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References.AddFromGuid _
GUID:="{0002E157-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}", _
Major:=5, Minor:=3
So far, in the solutions presented, in order to add the reference programmatically I will need to add a reference by hand and change the Trust Center - which is more than just adding the reference. Though I guess if I follow through with the solutions proposed I will be able to add future references programmatically. Which probably makes it worth the effort.
Any further thoughts would be great.
Ommit
There are two ways to add references via VBA to your projects
1) Using GUID
2) Directly referencing the dll.
Let me cover both.
But first these are 3 things you need to take care of
a) Macros should be enabled
b) In Security settings, ensure that "Trust Access To Visual Basic Project" is checked
c) You have manually set a reference to `Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications Extensibility" object
Way 1 (Using GUID)
I usually avoid this way as I have to search for the GUID in the registry... which I hate LOL. More on GUID here.
Topic: Add a VBA Reference Library via code
Link: http://www.vbaexpress.com/kb/getarticle.php?kb_id=267
'Credits: Ken Puls
Sub AddReference()
'Macro purpose: To add a reference to the project using the GUID for the
'reference library
Dim strGUID As String, theRef As Variant, i As Long
'Update the GUID you need below.
strGUID = "{00020905-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"
'Set to continue in case of error
On Error Resume Next
'Remove any missing references
For i = ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References.Count To 1 Step -1
Set theRef = ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References.Item(i)
If theRef.isbroken = True Then
ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References.Remove theRef
End If
Next i
'Clear any errors so that error trapping for GUID additions can be evaluated
Err.Clear
'Add the reference
ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References.AddFromGuid _
GUID:=strGUID, Major:=1, Minor:=0
'If an error was encountered, inform the user
Select Case Err.Number
Case Is = 32813
'Reference already in use. No action necessary
Case Is = vbNullString
'Reference added without issue
Case Else
'An unknown error was encountered, so alert the user
MsgBox "A problem was encountered trying to" & vbNewLine _
& "add or remove a reference in this file" & vbNewLine & "Please check the " _
& "references in your VBA project!", vbCritical + vbOKOnly, "Error!"
End Select
On Error GoTo 0
End Sub
Way 2 (Directly referencing the dll)
This code adds a reference to Microsoft VBScript Regular Expressions 5.5
Option Explicit
Sub AddReference()
Dim VBAEditor As VBIDE.VBE
Dim vbProj As VBIDE.VBProject
Dim chkRef As VBIDE.Reference
Dim BoolExists As Boolean
Set VBAEditor = Application.VBE
Set vbProj = ActiveWorkbook.VBProject
'~~> Check if "Microsoft VBScript Regular Expressions 5.5" is already added
For Each chkRef In vbProj.References
If chkRef.Name = "VBScript_RegExp_55" Then
BoolExists = True
GoTo CleanUp
End If
Next
vbProj.References.AddFromFile "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vbscript.dll\3"
CleanUp:
If BoolExists = True Then
MsgBox "Reference already exists"
Else
MsgBox "Reference Added Successfully"
End If
Set vbProj = Nothing
Set VBAEditor = Nothing
End Sub
Note: I have not added Error Handling. It is recommended that in your actual code, do use it :)
EDIT Beaten by mischab1 :)
There are two ways to add references using VBA. .AddFromGuid(Guid, Major, Minor) and .AddFromFile(Filename). Which one is best depends on what you are trying to add a reference to. I almost always use .AddFromFile because the things I am referencing are other Excel VBA Projects and they aren't in the Windows Registry.
The example code you are showing will add a reference to the workbook the code is in. I generally don't see any point in doing that because 90% of the time, before you can add the reference, the code has already failed to compile because the reference is missing. (And if it didn't fail-to-compile, you are probably using late binding and you don't need to add a reference.)
If you are having problems getting the code to run, there are two possible issues.
In order to easily use the VBE's object model, you need to add a reference to Microsoft Visual Basic for Application Extensibility. (VBIDE)
In order to run Excel VBA code that changes anything in a VBProject, you need to Trust access to the VBA Project Object Model. (In Excel 2010, it is located in the Trust Center - Macro Settings.)
Aside from that, if you can be a little more clear on what your question is or what you are trying to do that isn't working, I could give a more specific answer.
Browsing the registry for guids or using paths, which method is best. If browsing the registry is no longer necessary, won't it be the better way to use guids?
Office is not always installed in the same directory. The installation path can be manually altered. Also the version number is a part of the path.
I could have never predicted that Microsoft would ever add '(x86)' to 'Program Files' before the introduction of 64 bits processors.
If possible I would try to avoid using a path.
The code below is derived from Siddharth Rout's answer, with an additional function to list all the references that are used in the active workbook.
What if I open my workbook in a later version of Excel? Will the workbook still work without adapting the VBA code?
I have already checked that the guids for office 2003 and 2010 are identical. Let's hope that Microsoft doesn't change guids in future versions.
The arguments 0,0 (from .AddFromGuid) should use the latest version of a reference (which I have not been able to test).
What are your thoughts? Of course we cannot predict the future but what can we do to make our code version proof?
Sub AddReferences(wbk As Workbook)
' Run DebugPrintExistingRefs in the immediate pane, to show guids of existing references
AddRef wbk, "{00025E01-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}", "DAO"
AddRef wbk, "{00020905-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}", "Word"
AddRef wbk, "{91493440-5A91-11CF-8700-00AA0060263B}", "PowerPoint"
End Sub
Sub AddRef(wbk As Workbook, sGuid As String, sRefName As String)
Dim i As Integer
On Error GoTo EH
With wbk.VBProject.References
For i = 1 To .Count
If .Item(i).Name = sRefName Then
Exit For
End If
Next i
If i > .Count Then
.AddFromGuid sGuid, 0, 0 ' 0,0 should pick the latest version installed on the computer
End If
End With
EX: Exit Sub
EH: MsgBox "Error in 'AddRef'" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & err.Description
Resume EX
Resume ' debug code
End Sub
Public Sub DebugPrintExistingRefs()
Dim i As Integer
With Application.ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References
For i = 1 To .Count
Debug.Print " AddRef wbk, """ & .Item(i).GUID & """, """ & .Item(i).Name & """"
Next i
End With
End Sub
The code above does not need the reference to the "Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications Extensibility" object anymore.
Here is how to get the Guid's programmatically! You can then use these guids/filepaths with an above answer to add the reference!
Reference: http://www.vbaexpress.com/kb/getarticle.php?kb_id=278
Sub ListReferencePaths()
'Lists path and GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) for each referenced library.
'Select a reference in Tools > References, then run this code to get GUID etc.
Dim rw As Long, ref
With ThisWorkbook.Sheets(1)
.Cells.Clear
rw = 1
.Range("A" & rw & ":D" & rw) = Array("Reference","Version","GUID","Path")
For Each ref In ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References
rw = rw + 1
.Range("A" & rw & ":D" & rw) = Array(ref.Description, _
"v." & ref.Major & "." & ref.Minor, ref.GUID, ref.FullPath)
Next ref
.Range("A:D").Columns.AutoFit
End With
End Sub
Here is the same code but printing to the terminal if you don't want to dedicate a worksheet to the output.
Sub ListReferencePaths()
'Macro purpose: To determine full path and Globally Unique Identifier (GUID)
'to each referenced library. Select the reference in the Tools\References
'window, then run this code to get the information on the reference's library
On Error Resume Next
Dim i As Long
Debug.Print "Reference name" & " | " & "Full path to reference" & " | " & "Reference GUID"
For i = 1 To ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References.Count
With ThisWorkbook.VBProject.References(i)
Debug.Print .Name & " | " & .FullPath & " | " & .GUID
End With
Next i
On Error GoTo 0
End Sub

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