How to Fix Runtime Error 1004 in Excel?

1. What is Runtime Error 1004?

Excel Runtime Error 1004 is a generic runtime error in Excel. This error code itself does not have a specific single meaning but indicates that Excel could not complete the operation.

It usually appears when Excel cannot complete a command or process your VBA code correctly. Sometimes, it shows up as the runtime error 1004 application defined or object defined error, which can be confusing if you’re not familiar with VBA.

✅ Common Causes of Runtime Error 1004

Here are the most common reasons why the runtime error 1004 occurs:

• Macros or VBA settings are disabled: Excel needs permission to run macros. If macro access is blocked, your code can’t execute, causing the error.
• Corrupted workbook or worksheet: Sometimes the file you’re working on is damaged, which prevents Excel from running certain commands.
• Problematic VBA code: Mistakes in your VBA scripts, such as wrong references or missing objects, can trigger the runtime error 1004 application defined or object defined error.
• Missing or outdated add-ins: Some Excel add-ins or external references may conflict with macros or VBA code.
• Protected sheets or ranges: If your macro tries to change a protected sheet or locked cell, Excel will throw this error.
• Network or file location issues: Files stored on a network drive or with limited access can sometimes cause Excel to fail when running VBA code.

Now you must wondering how do I fix runtime error 1004 in Excel or VBA. Let us help you with that.

2. How to Fix Runtime Error 1004?

When you see Runtime error 1004 in Excel or VBA, it usually means something in your setup or file isn’t right. Below are four clear ways to fix this error, each with simple steps you can follow in Excel.

Fix 1: Enable VBA Project Access in Excel (Macro Notification Mode)

This error often happens because Excel doesn’t allow macros to access the VBA project model. Enabling this gives your VBA scripts the permission they need to run.

• Open Excel and click File in the top left. Select Options at the bottom of the sidebar.

• In the Excel Options window, choose Trust Center. Click Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings.

• Check the box labeled Trust access to the VBA project object model. Click OK to save.

  

This allows your VBA code to run more smoothly and prevents the VBA Runtime error 1004 caused by blocked project access.

Fix 2: Search and Delete GWXL97.XLA Files

Sometimes Excel tries to load old or conflicting add-in files, and the GWXL97.XLA file is a known cause for Excel Runtime error 1004. Deleting it can solve the issue.

• Open File Explorer on your computer. Go to:

  C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\XLSTART

• Look for GWXL97.XLA in this folder. Right-click the file and select Delete.

  

• Reopen Excel and try your macro again.

If Excel doesn’t find the file or the error still shows, move to the next fix.

Fix 3: Repair Your Workbook

Corrupted workbooks can trigger errors when VBA tries to run commands on broken objects or invalid data. Repairing the workbook often fixes this.

• Open Excel and click File > Open. Navigate to the location of your corrupt workbook.

• Click once to select the file (don’t open it yet). Then, click the dropdown arrow next to Open.

• Choose Open and Repair, and click Repair when prompted.

  

This helps fix damaged elements in the workbook that can cause the Runtime error 1004 application defined or object defined error.

Fix 4: Check the VBA Code

Many times, the error comes from incorrect code, for example, referring to a range that doesn’t exist or a sheet name that’s spelled wrong.

• Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA Editor.

• Look for highlighted lines in your code (Excel usually shows where the error is).

• Check that all sheet names and ranges exist and are spelled correctly. Make sure loops, variables, and object references are valid.

• Lastly, save and run the macro again.

Fixing these mistakes often stops the VBA Runtime error 1004 because your code will only work with valid objects and ranges.

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⚡ Bonus: Fix Corrupted Partitions Behind Runtime Error 1004 Using 4DDiG Partition Manager

Sometimes the Runtime error 1004 in Excel isn’t just about the file or VBA code, it can also show up when your hard drive partitions are corrupted or damaged. If your system disk has issues, Excel and other programs may fail when trying to access certain files or ranges.

To fix deeper drive or partition problems safely, you can use 4DDiG Partition Manager, a tool that helps you manage and repair disk partitions with confidence.

Why Choose 4DDiG Partition Manager?

• All-in-one partition tool: Resize, format, delete, or repair partitions without data loss.
• Reliable repair functions: Recover damaged or RAW partitions that may be causing Excel errors.
• Disk wipe option: Securely erase problematic partitions to prepare for fresh configurations.

• Download and open 4DDiG Partition Manager. In the left sidebar, click on "Toolkit," then choose "Repair Partition(s)" to continue.

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  Note:

  If you need to fix a partition on an external hard drive, make sure to connect the external drive to your computer.

• Pick the disk that contains the partition you wish to fix, and then press "Repair now" to begin.

  

• Once the partition is repaired, click "Finish" to complete the process.

  

More FAQs about Runtime Error 1004

1. How to bypass runtime error in VBA?

You can temporarily bypass the runtime error 1004 by adding On Error Resume Next at the beginning of your VBA macro. This allows Excel to skip the lines causing the error, but it doesn’t fix the underlying issue. To solve the problem permanently, check your code, make sure all sheet and range references are correct, and ensure macros have proper access.

2. How to make your Excel VBA code run faster?

Improving your VBA code’s efficiency can help prevent errors caused by long loops. You can turn off screen updating, set calculation to manual while running the macro, avoid selecting or activating cells unnecessarily, and use arrays instead of looping through ranges. These steps make your code faster and reduce the chances of triggering Excel runtime error 1004.

Conclusion

The Runtime error 1004 in Excel is a frequent but fixable issue. Throughout this guide, we've outlined the most common causes and provided clear, step-by-step solutions. By following these methods, you can quickly eliminate the Runtime error 1004 and restore smooth, uninterrupted Excel performance.

If your Runtime error 1004 persists due to underlying hard drive corruption or partition damage, 4DDiG Partition Manager offers a powerful, user-friendly tool to diagnose, repair, and manage partitions effectively.