Excel for Microsoft 365 (M365) introduces various powerful functions, one of which is the StockHistory function. However, users have encountered a significant problem where incorporating this function within VBA code prevents them from saving their XLSM files. Below is the analysis of this issue, the original problem statement, and practical solutions to resolve it.
Original Problem Statement
The problem can be summarized as follows:
"When calling the StockHistory function in VBA code, the XLSM file becomes unable to be saved."
Understanding the Problem
When integrating the StockHistory function in your VBA code, the expected behavior is that the function would retrieve stock data seamlessly. However, many users report encountering issues that render their XLSM files unsavable. This occurs due to compatibility or referencing issues within the Excel application.
Example Code Snippet
Here's an example of how one might incorrectly attempt to use the StockHistory function in VBA:
Sub GetStockData()
Dim stockData As Variant
stockData = StockHistory("AAPL", "2021-01-01", "2021-12-31")
Worksheets("Sheet1").Range("A1").Resize(UBound(stockData), UBound(stockData, 2)).Value = stockData
End Sub
Analysis of the Issue
When using StockHistory in your VBA scripts, Excel sometimes fails to save the workbook due to several factors, including:
-
Reference Errors: Ensure that the correct references are enabled in the VBA editor (e.g., Microsoft Scripting Runtime).
-
Function Limitation: The
StockHistoryfunction may not fully support certain configurations or calls made via VBA, especially if used improperly within a loop or when improperly sized arrays are generated. -
Excel Version Compatibility: Some versions of Excel might not fully support the new dynamic arrays that come with the M365 version, leading to save issues.
Solutions to Save Your XLSM Files
Check Excel Updates
Before delving into deeper troubleshooting, make sure that your Excel application is up to date. Bug fixes and enhancements are regularly provided through updates that might resolve this issue.
Modify Your Code
Instead of directly assigning the StockHistory output to a variant, consider using Excel cells to store the results first:
Sub GetStockData()
Dim stockData As Range
Set stockData = Worksheets("Sheet1").Range("A1")
stockData.Value = StockHistory("AAPL", "2021-01-01", "2021-12-31")
End Sub
Use Error Handling
Incorporating error handling can help identify if and when the saving issue occurs:
Sub GetStockData()
On Error GoTo ErrorHandler
Dim stockData As Variant
stockData = StockHistory("AAPL", "2021-01-01", "2021-12-31")
Worksheets("Sheet1").Range("A1").Resize(UBound(stockData, 1), UBound(stockData, 2)).Value = stockData
ThisWorkbook.Save
Exit Sub
ErrorHandler:
MsgBox "Error occurred: " & Err.Description
End Sub
Additional Resources
- Microsoft Excel VBA Documentation
- Excel for Microsoft 365 Help & Learning
- Excel Dynamic Arrays – Overview
Conclusion
By understanding the root causes of the issue with the StockHistory function in VBA, you can take effective steps to prevent your XLSM files from becoming unsavable. Regularly updating your software, refining your code, and implementing error handling are key strategies in navigating these challenges.
Feel free to explore further and implement these solutions to enhance your experience with Excel for M365. Happy coding!
