XL2000: How to Programmatically Suppress an Error Value Returned by a Formula

Microsoft Excel returns an error value for any cell that contains a formula that cannot be properly calculated. These error values include the following: This article describes a Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications Sub procedure (macro) that suppresses the error values.

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

Microsoft Advisory Services - 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 The following sample macro replaces the existing formula in the active cell with an IF statement that tests the formula results for an error value. If an error value is detected, the macro displays a zero instead of the cell error value.

To create and use a macro to replace an Excel error with another returned value, use the steps in the following example:

1. Start Excel, and then press ALT+F11 to start the Visual Basic editor.
2. On the Insert menu, click Module.
3. In the module sheet, type the following code:

   Sub ErrorToZero()
       X = Right(ActiveCell.Formula,Len(ActiveCell.Formula)-1)
       ActiveCell.Formula = "=IF(ISERROR(" & X & "),0," & X & ")"
   End Sub
   					

4. Press ALT+Fll to return to Excel.
5. Select the cell that contains the formula that returns the Excel error.
6. On the Tools menu, point to Macro, and then click Macros.
7. In the Macro name list, click ErrorToZero, and then click Run. The cell with the formula now returns 0 (zero).

NOTES:

• If you do not want a zero as a cell output, you can change it. In the Visual Basic for Applications code, replace the "0" on line two with the desired numeric cell output.
• If you select an empty cell and then run the macro, a run-time error "5" will be returned.