Add-In appears to be loaded, but isn't ...

[Ray]

Hello -

I've developed and distributed an add-in to my users, using a separate
Set-Up workbook to install the add-in for the user. This add-in was
built using XL07 (in compatability mode) and well-tested in XL02 (all
systems using Windows XP) ... most users are able to successfully
install the add-in, although a few have had to close then re-open
Excel. In all of these cases, the add-in loaded properly during
subsequent Excel re-starts.

However, some users have seen that the add-in appears to load properly
-- it appears in the list of add-ins (Tools>Add-Ins...) and is checked
to indicate that it's loaded. However, the included custom menu
doesn't appear and there's no way to activate the add-in manually. De-
activating the add-in and then re-activating (all using Tools>Add-ins)
fixes the issue (add-in loads fine) ... until the user re-starts
Excel, when the add-in again appears to load (check-box checked), but
no custom menu, etc....

Is there some Excel and/or Windows XP setting that would cause this
behavior? A registry setting perhaps?

It may useful to know that a similar phenomenon exists with another XL
add-in (created by a professional software developer) we use ... but
until now, it doesn't appear as though anyone has really investigated
why this might be happening.

TIA,
ray

 

[Ron de Bruin]

Hi Ray

Maybe there is other code in a other add-in that reset the menubar ?

 

[Ray]

Hi Ron -

I thought that as well .... but doesn't appear to be the case. The
other thing I forgot to mention is that if the user goes into the VBE
(via Alt-F11), the add-in isn't listed at all .... even though it
appears as 'active' in the Add-In manager.

So, even though Excel knows it should be loaded ... it doesn't get
loaded.

thanks, ray

 

[Ron de Bruin]

Hi Ray

Strange

Let him try this, I see this fix a lot of strage problems

1) Close Excel
2) Do a search for .xlb in Windows (Use: search hidden files and folders)
3) Rename or delete the .xlb file or files (In 2002 the name = Excel10.xlb)
4) Start Excel

Deleting the file or renaming will do no harm to your system
Excel will create a new file for you. (You lost your customization remember
that)
If you make your own toolbars or add buttons to the others
this file is important (backup it so you can restore it)

 

[Ray]

A good idea ... but many of many users don't have access to their C:
drives (network restrictions). Would resetting the Toolbar via
Tools>Customize do the same thing? or does the .xlb HAVE to be
deleted entirely?

thanks again Ron!

 

[Ron de Bruin]

Would resetting the Toolbar via

Tools>Customize do the same thing?

If the file is bad this will not help

 

[Ron de Bruin]

Maybe the add-in is blocked ?

When Excel think the file is corrupt it can disable the file.
You can re-enable it here but if it is really corrupted replace it with a backup.

Excel 2002-2003: Help>About MS Excel>Disabled items
Excel 2007 : Office button>Excel Options..Add-ins
In the "Manage:" dropdown (bottom of the dialog)
Choose "Disabled Items
Go