VBA clearContents function return value changed?

Question

Hello,

Until today we had a script which would check if clearContents were ok:

$r = $worksheet.UsedRange.clearContents()
if (-not $r) {
    throw "No se ha podido limpiar las celdas"
}

Today it started to fail and throw were being executed

I finally removed the check and the throw. I am not sure why this behaviour was changed

Thank you

Answer 1

Hello BARROSO TRISTAN, JAVIER RICARDO,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

We are very sorry for the delay in giving you a response to your topic in this forum. If you have the same inquiry, please kindly note we do not support scripts however the clearContents method might fail for several reasons, including changes in the worksheet's state or environment. Here are a few potential causes and solutions:

• Worksheet Protection: If the worksheet is protected, the clearContents method might fail. Ensure that the worksheet is unprotected before running the script.
• Range Issues: If the UsedRange is not correctly defined or if it includes cells that cannot be cleared (e.g., merged cells or cells with data validation), the method might fail.
• PowerShell Updates: Recent updates to PowerShell or the Excel application might have introduced changes that affect how the clearContents method works.
• Error Handling: The way errors are handled in your script might need adjustment. Instead of removing the check and throw, consider adding more detailed error handling to understand why the method fails.

Here's an updated version of your script with enhanced error handling:

try {
    $r = $worksheet.UsedRange.clearContents()
    if (-not $r) {
        throw "No se ha podido limpiar las celdas"
    }
} catch {
    Write-Error "Error clearing contents: $_"
}

This script uses a try-catch block to catch any exceptions and provide more detailed error messages. This can help you diagnose the issue more effectively. If the problem persists, you might want to check for any recent changes in your environment or consult the PowerShell and Excel documentation for any updates or known issues.

Additionally, please kindly note that if we do not receive a response to this thread within 4 business days, we will consider it closed. In case you have the same question, and the information provided was not useful, feel free to create another thread and we will be more than happy to help you.

Regards,

Gao

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