Forum Discussion
My macros are disappearing
The disappearance of macros in Excel can be caused by various factors. Here are some common reasons and solutions:
- Macro Security Settings:
- Excel has security settings that control the execution of macros. If your security settings are set to a high level, Excel may disable macros.
- Go to the "File" tab, click on "Options," select "Trust Center," and then click on "Trust Center Settings."
- Under "Macro Settings," choose a setting that allows macros. "Enable all macros" is less secure but allows all macros to run.
- Disabled Items:
- Excel might disable macros if it encounters an issue with them. Check for disabled items.
- Go to the "File" tab, click on "Options," select "Add-ins," and choose "Disabled Items" in the Manage box. Click "Go."
- If your macros are listed, select them, and click "Enable."
- Macro Location:
- Ensure that your macros are stored in a location that Excel recognizes as a trusted location.
- Go to the "File" tab, click on "Options," select "Trust Center," and then click on "Trust Center Settings."
- Under "Trusted Locations," add the folder where your macros are stored.
- Antivirus or Security Software:
- Some antivirus or security software might interfere with the execution of macros. Temporarily disable your antivirus software and see if the issue persists.
- Corrupted Excel Profile:
- Your Excel profile may be corrupted. Try creating a new user profile on your computer and see if the issue persists there.
- Excel Updates:
- Make sure that your Excel application is up to date. Install the latest updates from Microsoft.
- Malware or Viruses:
- Perform a scan for malware or viruses on your computer. Some malicious software might interfere with the normal functioning of Excel.
- Save Macros in Workbook:
- Instead of saving macros in a personal macro workbook (PERSONAL.XLSB), try saving them in the workbook where you are using them.
If the issue continues to occur, you may need to provide more details about your Excel version, operating system, and any specific error messages you encounter. Additionally, checking the Excel event logs might reveal more information about the disappearance of macros. The text was revised with the AI.
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- Ok... here are some workarounds. Not solutions. But one of them has always gotten my macros back. The easiest: IF you can get into a VBA module, simply hit the RUN button ON THE VBA ribbon. This runs one of the macros and seems to reset the rest. The problem is, that usually, you can't get into a module. Another: If Excel hangs up when you are trying to get into the macro screen, click the red X button on the top right of the screen as quickly as you can. Then when it appears, hit the RESTART button. Another: make a Word document with your macros. Again, IF you can get into the VBA modules, you can paste the Word copy into it and that will work. Another: This one takes a while. Copy the problem file on an exterior hard drive. Open it on a different computer. When it opens, click YES on the Enable Functions button. Save the file on the exterior drive, and save back to the original computer. That one has always worked, but it is a pain.
Perry320 We have been having the same issues with all our users. Restoring the file to a previous known working version is the easiest solution. Today, 2/16/24, we are testing having some users move to Office 2021 LTSC to see if its an issue with Office 365.
Nevin930 I have the same thing happen with my macro-heavy workbooks, and it's gotten so bad that I am constantly saving backup versions to date-coded folders (with descriptions of any changes) cos this problem is arbitrary, chronic, and infuriating. In some cases, my previously-fine backups (I always check to see if the macros are there with [ALT]-[F8] before closing) are likewise corrupted. This has been going on for years, and the "just back up every new version" has become the only way to save my work from total Excel annihilation.
