XL97: Cannot Programmatically Close Referenced Workbook

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SYMPTOMS

When you set an object variable to a workbook that references another workbook, you may be unable to programmatically close the referenced workbook even when the workbook containing the reference is closed. You may receive the error:

Run-time error '1004':
This workbook is currently referenced by another workbook and
cannot be closed.

For example, if Book2.xls contains a reference to Book1.xls, then the following macro produces the error when the macro attempts to close Book1.xls:

   Sub OpenClose()
       Dim wb1, wb2

       'Open the workbooks and set the object variables
       Set wb1 = Workbooks.Open("Book1.xls")
       Set wb2 = Workbooks.Open("Book2.xls")

       'Close both workbooks
       wb2.close
       wb1.close      ' ---- This line produces the error

   End Sub

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CAUSE

This behavior occurs if the object variable is still set to the workbook that contains the reference to the workbook you are trying to close.

You cannot close a workbook in Microsoft Excel 97 while that workbook is referenced by another open workbook or by an object variable that is set to the referenced workbook.

This is behavior by design of Microsoft Excel.

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RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, set the object variable for the workbook that contains the reference to Nothing prior to closing the referenced workbook. By setting the object variable to Nothing, it no longer refers to the workbook. The macro below demonstrates how to set the object variable to Nothing so that the referenced workbook can be closed programmatically:

   Sub OpenClose()
       Dim wb1, wb2

       'Open the workbooks and set the object variables
       Set wb1 = Workbooks.Open("Book1.xls")
       Set wb2 = Workbooks.Open("Book2.xls")

       'Close book2
       wb2.close

       'Set the object variable wb2 to Nothing
       Set wb2 = Nothing

       'Close book1
       wb1.close

   End Sub

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MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without 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 Microsoft Advisory Services. For more information, visit these Microsoft Web sites:

Microsoft Certified Partners - https://partner.microsoft.com/global/30000104 (https://partner.microsoft.com/global/30000104)

Microsoft Advisory Services - http://support.microsoft.com/gp/advisoryservice (http://support.microsoft.com/gp/advisoryservice)

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 (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;en-us;cntactms)

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APPLIES TO

Microsoft Excel 97 Standard Edition

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kbdtacode kbprogramming KB159794

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Retired KB Content Disclaimer

This article was written about products for which Microsoft no longer offers support. Therefore, this article is offered "as is" and will no longer be updated.

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