XL2000: Run-Time Error 438 If Macro Uses ControlFormat Object

In Microsoft Excel 2000, if you run a Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications macro that attempts to set the properties of a control in a worksheet, you may receive the following error message:

This problem occurs if the macro attempts to use the ControlFormat object to set the properties of an ActiveX control. For example, if you create an ActiveX control called "ListBox1" in the active worksheet, the following line of code fails when you run the macro that contains it: However, if ListBox1 is a Microsoft Excel list box, as opposed to an ActiveX list box, the code works correctly.

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.
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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 set the properties of an ActiveX control, refer to the control and its properties by using syntax similar to the following:

The "ControlFormat Object" Help topic in the Microsoft Excel Visual Basic Help file contains incomplete information that may be misleading. Specifically, the Help topic fails to address that the ControlFormat object is available for use only with Microsoft Excel forms controls that are inserted from the Forms toolbar. In Microsoft Excel 2000, you cannot use the ControlFormat object with ActiveX controls.

The example in the "ControlFormat Object" Help topic works only if the first shape in the worksheet is a Microsoft Excel list box, not an ActiveX list box.