EXCEL How to use Debug mode.

Question

I have a very old spreadsheet that I created probably 10 years ago, that has a bug that I suspect is within the VBA code. It's been years since I've worked with VBA. I need help with the fundamental details of using the Debug feature. For starter, I want to pause the execution at very start of the Open routine. Do I just need to set a breakpoint at the beginning of the Open? Beyond that I need to know how step through execution one command at a time.

My target is to understand how a switch is getting set, that is supposed to be set by the user in the MAIN routine.

I'm open to consulting some resource available, such as a knowledge base article. I'm not keen on just diving in and hacking away at the code.

TIA for your help.SweetTasha

Answer 1

Go into the macro editor

Put the cursor at the start of the macro

<F5> will run the macro

<F8> will advance 1 line (execute current line, move to the next line

.

You can set "watch points" , or "break points" (to stop execution), you can type commands into the "Immediate" window to see values.

https://www.myonlinetraininghub.com/debugging-vba-code

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/excel_macros/excel_macros_debugging_code.htm

https://www.mrexcel.com/excel-tips/debugging-vba-macro/ (video and example file https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/excel/study/vba-how-to-debug-code/

https://www.excel-easy.com/vba/examples/debugging.html

Answer 2

Hi, I'm Elise, and I'd be happy to help with your issue.

That is right, if you set a breakpoint in the code, then you can just step through the code using F8

There is a good guide here on other methods too:

https://www.wiseowl.co.uk/blog/s196/step-throug...

Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Kind Regards,

Elise

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 3

> ...My target is to understand how a switch is getting set, that is supposed to be set by the user in the MAIN routine.

Just another idea is to right-click your variable and add it to the Watch list.

You can just run your code normally, and it will break when the value changes.

Answer 4

Rand2201 Thanks for your reply.

I Developer>visual basic>Debug>Add watch. How do I find the switch I want to watch? I know its name with the spreadsheet, but not in Debug?

Thanks. SweetTasha

Answer 5

ronski2 Thanks for your reply.

you say

Go into the macro editor

Put the cursor at the start of the macro

Somewhere is says Alt+F11 opens the vba editor. I did that. Now how do I know what macro I want to look at.

Thanks. SweetTasha.