MS Excel’s VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is an influential tool that helps users to automate tasks & improve spreadsheet functionality. Nevertheless, like any tool, VBA isn’t immune to issues or errors. An ambiguous name detected VBA is one such baffling error that often leaves users scratching their heads.
Thus, if you are one such user, this article is for you. Here I have done a lot of research and shortlisted the potential fixes that work for several users to solve this error.
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What is Ambiguous Name Error in Excel?
This error simply means that there is a naming conflict within a VBA code in Microsoft Excel. In simple words, this error typically appears when running the procedure in the VBA engine and some sort of glitches occurs or Excel encounters a name that could refer to multiple objects or variables.
But before starting with the solutions, let’s have a look at the common culprit causing the error.
What Causes Ambiguous Name Detected: Worksheet_Selectionchange Error?
The error usually appears when the VBA engine detects more than one procedure with a similar name in a similar module, which confuses the VBA engine. As a result, the VBA starts reporting an error message.
Despite this, if you have 2 procedures with the same name within the same scope, it starts causing issues.
Now, follow the fixes to solve the ambiguous name detected in the VBA error.
Also Read: Fix Excel There’s a Problem with The Clipboard Error Now!
How to Fix Ambiguous Name Detected VBA Error?
To fix the error, you need to make sure not to have the same procedures including the same name in one module. In this case, you need to either change the procedure name and delete it or send it to another module.
Solution 1 – Rename the Variable
As said above, the problem is related to the same name in the module, so in this case, renaming the variable may work for you to solve the problem.
First, you need to the variable, and next go to the menu here, click on Debug, and then on Compile VBA project allows your code to compile.
Now check if the error is resolved or not.
Solution 2 – Change the Sheet selection
Well, the error usually appears at the time of working with the events in Excel.
So, let’s assume that you are working with worksheet events on sheet1, then you require a message when the user modifies the cell selection, and in this case, you can utilize the Worksheet_SelectionChange() Event.
Here again, you are required to ask some questions to the user as he changes the call selection. In this case, you need to utilize the same event, and as you have written two event handling events for different tasks.
MsgBox "Hi"
End Sub
Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range)
Application.InputBox ("who are you?")
End Sub
As you modify the sheet selection, you will see a message, as shown in the image:
Here the point is that Excel won’t allow this; one cannot have more than one same function name in the module as well as in the Events. Doing this will cause ambiguity.
If you need to do different tasks on the same events, then, in this case, you need to put that code in the same event procedure. You can use conditions for controlling the events.
Here the below-given event will work fine at the time the user changes cell selection in sheet1, and it shows the hi message, and next it asks the user a question with an input box.
Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range)
MsgBox "Hi"
Application.InputBox ("who are you?")
End Sub
As you can see, now the ambiguity is cleared; the event will now start working fine, and you won’t see the ambiguous name detected error anymore.
Also Read: Ways for “Failed to Parse the Corrupted Excel File” Error- Discover the Fix NOW!
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Are There Automated Tools to Detect And Resolve Ambiguous Name Issues In VBA Code?
Yes, there are several tools available, but by following the manual steps mentioned in this post can help you to detect and resolve ambiguous name errors in VBA.
Can the Ambiguous Name Detected Error Impact the Performance of Excel Macros?
Yes, this error can cause interruptions in Excel macros and even affecting the overall automated tasks performance.
What Steps Can Developers Take to Stay Updated On The Latest Advancements In VBA Programming?
By engaging with VBA developer communities and keeping an eye on Microsoft's updates are efficient ways to stay up-to-date about the latest developments in VBA.
Wrap Up
Resolving VBA ambiguous name detected error in Excel is vital for VBA developers for seamless code execution. By understanding the factors, and adopting the best solutions outlined in this blog, developers can navigate through the encoding labyrinth with confidence. So, make sure to follow the steps given carefully and solve the error.
I hope the article is helpful for you. If you are facing any other issue related to Excel, let us know by sharing your experience on our social media FB and Twitter Pages.
Priyanka Sahu
Priyanka is a content marketing expert. She writes tech blogs and has expertise in MS Office, Excel, and other tech subjects. Her distinctive art of presenting tech information in the easy-to-understand language is very impressive. When not writing, she loves unplanned travels.