Fix Excel Family Tree Generator Macro Error After Saving
Question details
The user is unable to run the Create Family Tree macro after saving and reopening the Excel Family Tree Generator template.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Saving progress in the Excel Family Tree Generator template to continue editing or generating the tree at a later time.
- Observed behavior
- After closing and reopening the saved file, the macro no longer runs and the Create Family Tree command fails because the macros were removed during the save process.
Before proceeding, check the file extension of your current Family Tree workbook. If it ends in .xlsx, the macros have been permanently stripped, and you will need to download a fresh copy of the template.
Save the Workbook in a Macro-Enabled Format
To preserve macro functionality, the family tree template must be saved as a macro-enabled workbook rather than a standard Excel file.
Standard Excel files (.xlsx) cannot store VBA code. If you accept the warning dialog to save it as a macro-free workbook, all macros required to generate the family tree are permanently deleted.
If your previous macros were removed, download a new copy of the Family Tree Generator template from the Office template library.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, select 'Save As', and choose your preferred saving location.
In the 'Save as type' drop-down menu, change the format from 'Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)' to 'Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (*.xlsm)'.
Click 'Save'. The next time you open this file, look for a security warning below the ribbon and click 'Enable Content' before clicking the Create Family Tree button.
Easily Manage Macro-Enabled Spreadsheets with WPS Office
WPS Office provides robust compatibility with Microsoft Excel templates, including macro-enabled files (.xlsm). You can reliably open, edit, and save your Family Tree Generator without losing VBA functionality.
- 1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and click on 'Spreadsheet' to access the spreadsheet application.
- 2. Open the Template: Navigate to 'Menu' > 'Open' and select your Family Tree Generator .xlsm file.
- 3. Enable Macros: If prompted by a security warning at the top of the workspace, click 'Enable Macros' to allow the script to execute.
- 4. Save Progress: When finished, click 'Menu' > 'Save As' and ensure the format remains set to 'Microsoft Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (*.xlsm)'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Excel macro disappear after saving?
If you save a macro-enabled workbook as a standard Excel file (.xlsx), the software automatically removes all VBA macros to comply with the format's strict security standards. You must save it as an .xlsm file to retain them.
How do I get my family tree macros back if I accidentally saved as .xlsx?
Once a file is saved in the .xlsx format, its macros are permanently deleted and cannot be restored. You will need to download a fresh copy of the Family Tree Generator template and manually copy your entered data over to the new file.
How do I enable macros in a downloaded family tree template?
When you open the downloaded file for the first time, a yellow Message Bar will appear at the top of the worksheet with a shield icon. Click the 'Enable Content' button to explicitly allow the macros to run on your computer.
