The run time error 32809 in Excel VBA is quite complicated. Users often find this error irritating. For the same code, some devices will show the error and others won’t. In this article, we will show you how to fix this run time error in Excel VBA.

The above overview image shows disabling the ActiveX controls as a part of fixing the issue. Follow along to know more about other reasons and solutions.
What Is Run Time Error 32809?
Prior to releasing it to the public, Microsoft Corporation and other software developers generally debug Microsoft Excel multiple times to clear bugs. However, issues like Error 32809 get overlooked.
The run time error 32809 may originate from any of the following reasons.
- Excel Error 32809 Memory Leak: The operating system gradually operates slowly when MS Excel faces a memory leak as it reduces system resources. In this case, the error prevents the program from ending.
- Error 32809 Crash: In this case, the error crashes the device. These problems usually occur when the MS Excel inputs can’t be processed correctly or it’s unclear what the input should be.
- Error 32809 Logic Error: A logic error happens when the device produces the incorrect result even though the user input is right. This may occur when Microsoft Corporation’s source code has a vulnerability in data handling.
What Causes Run Time Error 32809?
Excel Error 32809 issues are caused by a corrupt or missing Excel Error 32809, invalid Registry keys associated with Microsoft Excel, or malware infection.
- Excel Error 32809 Registry keys are invalid /corrupted.
- Malicious deletion of Excel Error 32809 by another application (not MS Excel).
- Excel Error 32809 is in conflict with another program.
- Virus or malware infection that has corrupted the Excel Error 32809 file or related MS Excel program files.
- Excel Error 32809 corrupted from an incomplete download or install.
Some Common Run Time Error Messages Related to Error 32809
These are some common messages that might be associated with Error 32809:
- “ Excel Error 32809 Application Error”
- “ Excel Error 32809 can’t be found”
- “Can’t Locate Excel Error 32809”
- “Excel Error 32809 is not running”
- “Excel Error 32809 halted”
- “Faulty Program Path: Excel Error 32809”
- “Excel Error 32809 not valid”
- “Excel Error 32809 encountered a problem and will close”
Run Time Error 32809 in Excel VBA: 3 Solutions to Fix
The problem associated with the run time error 32809 is quite difficult to handle. We will give you three possible solutions to the problem. We hope your problem is going to be solved by these methods.
1. Changing Excel File Format to Fix Corrupt XLSM File
A possible reason for this error is that the VBA project may actually be corrupted. To solve the problem, first, we have to save the Macro enabled file (.xlsm) into a Macro free (.xlsx) file. Then we have to copy the VBA code into the new macro-free .xlsx file and then save the file as a Macro-enabled file.
- So, first, copy the file that is giving the error. Then open the copied file.
- Now go to File > Save As, change the format of the file to Excel Workbook, and save the file.

- Now, open your original Macro enabled file. Then go to Developer > Visual Basic.

- Now copy the VBA code that is giving Error 32809.

After that, open the new .xlsx Excel file. Then go to Developer > Visual Basic.

- Next, insert a new module in VBA.

- And, paste the copied code into the new module.

- Now, you have to save the file as an Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook.

This procedure should solve the problem if the VBA project is corrupt.
Read More: How to Fix Excel Runtime Error 13 Type Mismatch in VBA
2. Disabling ActiveX Controls
If the previous method doesn’t work, you should first disable the ActiveX Controls before enabling them again.
- First, open the file that is causing the error.
- Then go to File > Options.
Doing so, a window of Excel Options will open.
- Now, select the Trust Center Settings from the Trust Center option. Doing so, another window in the Trust Center will open.

- You can also open the Trust Center window by selecting the Macro Security option from the Developer tab.

- In the Trust Center window, from the ActiveX Settings option, select Disable all controls without notification and press OK.

Now, save the file with a new name and close the file.
Then open the file and enable the ActiveX Controls again.

This should solve the problem that you are encountering.
3. Update Your PC with Latest Microsoft Excel
If the previous two procedures don’t work, you should check whether your PC has the latest Excel update or not. You should install all related Excel updates and check if the problem is solved.
Read More: [Fixed!] Runtime Error 438 in Excel VBA
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can we check the Microsoft Excel version?
To determine which version of Microsoft Office you are using:
- Open any Office application, such as Excel or Word.
- Click on File in the top left corner of the window.
- Click on Account or Help in the left sidebar.
The version of Microsoft Office you are using should be listed under the Product Information or About section.
2. Is it safe to enable the use of ActiveX controls?
Enabling the use of ActiveX controls can pose a security risk, as these controls can be used to execute malicious code. Microsoft disabled the use of certain ActiveX controls due to security concerns, so enabling the use of these controls should be done with caution. It is recommended that you only enable the use of ActiveX controls if it is absolutely necessary, and that you take appropriate security measures to protect your system.
3. Which ActiveX controls are affected by run time error 32809?
The ActiveX controls that are affected by run time error 32809 vary depending on the version of Microsoft Office you are using. However, some of the commonly used ActiveX controls that may be affected include CommandButton, Label, TextBox, and ComboBox.
4. How can we avoid run time error 32809 when using ActiveX controls in Excel VBA?
To avoid run time error 32809 when using ActiveX controls in Excel VBA, it is recommended that you use alternative controls or methods, such as Form controls or VBA UserForms. These alternatives do not use ActiveX controls and are not affected by this issue. If you must use ActiveX controls, make sure you are using a version of Microsoft Office that includes a fix for this issue, or enable the use of the ActiveX control by adding a registry key to your system.
Things To Remember
- Make sure your VBA code is free from any syntax errors.
- Sometimes add-ins or other software can interfere with Excel and VBA, causing errors. Try to disable them.
- Make sure that you are using the latest version of Excel and VBA. Check for any available updates and install them.
Conclusion
We have shown you 3 ways to solve run time error 32809 in Excel VBA. We hope you find the content of this article useful. If there are further queries or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comment section. You can find similar articles related to Excel errors on our website, ExcelDemy.com.
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