Microsoft Visual Basic, Run Time Error '-2146697211 (800c0005), The system cannot locate the resource specified.

Chandra Sekhar Barik 0 Reputation points
2026-10-02T14:42:07.4566667+00:00

Respected Microsoft Team,

I have been facing an error while upgrading the Automatex license key in Excel 365. The Error is "Microsoft Visual Basic, Run Time Error '-2146697211 (800c0005), The system cannot locate the resource specified." This error I cannot fix it. So kindly help me to solve it.

Thank You

[Moderator note: Personally Identifiable Information removed]

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows
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  1. Aetherin 2,495 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-02T15:16:01.86+00:00

    Hi @Chandra Sekhar Barik,

    First, I'd like to gently clarify that this is a user-to-user support forum rather than an official Microsoft Support channel. That said, I'd be happy to share some suggestions based on the information you've provided.

    Error (800C0005) generally indicates that VBA/the AutomateX add-in cannot locate or access an online resource required for the license update. Similar VBA/XMLHTTP errors can occur when the destination URL is unavailable or cannot be reached because of DNS, firewall, proxy, VPN, or other network restrictions.

    Please try the following:

    • Close Excel, restart the computer, and try updating the license again.
    • Test using another network, such as a mobile hotspot. If it works there, ask your IT administrator to check whether the proxy, firewall, VPN, antivirus, or network configuration is blocking AutomateX traffic.
    • Update or reinstall the latest version of the AutomateX add-in using the installer provided by its official vendor.
    • Update Microsoft 365 Apps through File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
    • If other Excel features or add-ins are also affected, perform an Online Repair.

    Since AutomateX is a third-party Excel product, if the problem occurs only during the AutomateX license update, please contact AutomateX support. They may need to verify the license and confirm whether the activation service or URL used by the add-in is currently available.

    I hope these suggestions help point you in the right direction. If you have any updates, please feel free to leave a comment below, and I'll be happy to continue the discussion.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-02T14:42:29.5366667+00:00

    This error indicates Excel or the VBA code is trying to access a resource that cannot be found. Based on the Excel startup and VBA error guidance, use this troubleshooting path:

    1. Start Excel in Safe Mode
      • Press Windows + R.
      • Type excel /safe and press Enter.
      • If Excel opens, the issue is likely caused by an add-in.
    2. Disable add-ins
      • In Excel, go to File > Options > Add-ins.
      • Disable active add-ins, then restart Excel normally.
      • If Excel works after that, re-enable add-ins one at a time to identify the one causing the problem.
    3. Check whether the VBA project is calling a missing file or library
      • A “resource cannot be found” error can occur when code refers to a file, DLL, or path that does not exist.
      • Verify the file name and full path used by the Automatex license upgrade process.
    4. Add VBA error checking around the failing statement
      • Use On Error Resume Next immediately before the statement that accesses the object or resource.
      • Then check the Err object right after that statement to identify the source of the failure.
    5. Repair Office
      • Close all Office apps.
      • Open Installed apps or Apps and Features.
      • Find Microsoft 365 or Office.
      • Select Modify.
      • Run Quick Repair first.
      • If the issue continues, run Online Repair.
    6. If the VBA code accesses the system registry
      • The registration database may be corrupted.
      • Run the Setup program for the host application again.

    If the error started only when upgrading the Automatex license key, the most likely causes are:

    • the VBA macro is calling a missing file or web resource
    • an Excel add-in is interfering
    • the Office installation needs repair
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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