Getting the Excel runtime error 1004? Fix it with this guide

Runtime errors are common Windows-specific issues that occur while the program is running, often causing loss of data.
Extensions, plug-ins, and even other applications on your PC can cause runtime errors in a particular program.
Excel is no exception to this issue, with many users reporting getting the 1004 runtime error messages.
We found what causes this prevalent problem and comprised this guide with three effective solutions explained step-by-step.

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Excel runtime error 1004 typically comes up when you are working with a corrupt document. You also get this error if you open a VBA Excel file when your Excel is having a conflict with other programs.

The Excel runtime error 1004 could show up due to a variety of other underlying issues. The most common error messages include the following:

VB: run-time error ‘1004’: Application-defined or object-defined error

Excel VBA Runtime error 1004 “Select method of Range class failed”

runtime error 1004 method range of object _global failed visual basic

Excel macro “Run-time error ‘1004″

Runtime error 1004 method open of object workbooks failed

Run time error ‘1004’: Method ‘Ranger’ of Object’ Worksheet’ Failed

Save As VBA run time Error 1004: Application defined or object defined error

If you get any of these errors, then you can fix the error using the solutions here.

What is run time error 1004 in Excel?

The runtime error is specific to apps that integrate Microsoft Visual Basic for Application (also known as VBA) script to run repetitive tasks.

All Microsoft Office applications use this Windows-specific programming, but the most prevalent issues arise in Excel, especially Excel 2007.

Many users report having issues when creating macros. A macro is a feature in Excel that records keystrokes and clicks in order to help you automate repetitive tasks.

Oftentimes, this task gets in conflict with the VBA which leads to the 1004 error. Another common cause is a corrupt Excel application or a corrupt XLS file.

Other possible causes that have been linked to this error include having a number of legend entries that exceed the space available, and a file conflict between Excel and other apps.

The good news is that this error has been around for a while and there are several proven methods that will help you fix it.

How do I fix runtime error 1004 in Excel?

1. Uninstall Microsoft Works

Press the CTRL + ALT + DEL combination and click on Task Manager.

End all the programs that are currently open.

Next, press the Windows key + R to open the Run utility.

Here, enter appwiz.cpl and click the OK button.

excel-runtime-error-1004-uninstall-microsoft-works

From the list of programs installed on your computer, find Microsoft Works. Right-click on it and hit Uninstall.

2. Create another Excel template

Launch Microsoft Excel on your computer.

Next, create a new Microsoft Excel workbook by pressing the CTRL + N combination or selecting Blank workbook from the first screen.

open-new-worksheet-excel-runtime-error-1004

After making the workbook delete all the sheets on the workbook except one.

Format this workbook you have spared.

You can modify this workbook to suit your needs.

Finally, go to File > Save As to save the file with the Excel Template (.xltx or .xlt) file format.

Use this format for Excel in 2017 and higher.

When the document is saved successfully, you can insert the template with the help of this code:

Add Type:=pathfilename

Remember to replace filename with the actual name of the document.

3. Delete GWXL97.XLA

Start by opening File Explorer on your computer.

You can do this by pressing the Windows key + E.

Next, click on the address bar, type in the following path, and hit Enter:C:Usersuser nameAppDataLocalMicrosoftExcel

excel-runtime-error-1004-find-the-excel-folder

Here, open the XLStart folder.

Finally, find the GWXL97.XLA file and delete it.

Knowing that there are many causes of the runtime error 1004 in Excel, only one solution may work. With the help of this guide, you can now fix the Microsoft Excel runtime error 1004 and recover your file data.

In case you need further assistance, we have a dedicated Hub for Troubleshooting Runtime Errors that is full of articles like the one below.

If you want to learn more about the Excel application and its best uses, plus informative recommendations and error fixes, check our Excel page.