Fix Excel Macro Recording Error: The Syntax of This Name Is Not Correct
Question details
The user is encountering a name syntax error when attempting to record a macro in Excel, and some existing macros appear to be missing.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Recording a new macro or attempting to access existing macros in a workbook.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays 'The syntax of this name is not correct' error despite the use of seemingly valid macro names and storage locations. Existing macros may also become invisible or inaccessible.
Ensure your intended macro name does not begin with a number, contains no spaces, and avoids special characters like hyphens or exclamation marks. Also, verify that your current file is saved in a macro-supporting format (.xlsm).
Transfer Data to a New Macro-Enabled Workbook
Copying raw values into a fresh workbook clears corrupted background formatting or invalid named ranges that might be causing the macro syntax error.
Often, invisible corruptions or conflicting named ranges within an old workbook can trigger naming syntax errors during macro recording. Transferring only the plain text values to a clean file bypasses these hidden conflicts.
Select all the data in your current problematic worksheet by pressing Ctrl + A, then press Ctrl + C to copy it to your clipboard.
Open a new blank workbook. Right-click cell A1, choose 'Paste Special', select 'Values' from the dialog box, and click OK to paste the data without its background formatting.
Go to File > Save As. Choose your destination, and in the 'Save as type' dropdown menu, explicitly select 'Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (*.xlsm)' before clicking Save.
Navigate to the Developer tab and click 'Record Macro' to verify that the syntax error is fully resolved.
Check Workbook and Worksheet Names for Invalid Characters
Excel macros can conflict with worksheet or workbook names that contain forbidden characters or clash with built-in Excel names.
Test Macro Recording in a Blank Environment
Isolating the issue in a completely blank workbook helps determine if the error is specific to your file or an application-wide glitch.
Record and Run Macros Seamlessly in WPS Office
WPS Office provides excellent compatibility with Microsoft Excel's VBA macros. You can record, edit, and run macros without encountering complex syntax errors, making workflow automation fast and efficient.
- 1. Open your workbook in WPS: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx or .xlsm file containing your data.
- 2. Enable Developer Tools: Go to the 'Developer' tab on the top ribbon. If it is not visible, enable it from the WPS settings menu.
- 3. Record a new macro: Click on 'Record Macro', assign a valid name using letters and underscores, and perform your automated tasks.
- 4. Save your automated workflow: Click 'Stop Recording' and ensure you save your file as an Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (*.xlsm) to keep your automations intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for naming a macro in Excel?
Macro names must begin with a letter or an underscore. They cannot contain spaces or special characters (like !, @, -, or &). Additionally, you cannot use names that conflict with Excel's built-in cell references, such as 'A1' or 'R1C1'.
Why do my existing macros disappear from the macro list?
Macros can appear missing if the workbook is accidentally saved as a standard .xlsx file instead of a macro-enabled .xlsm file. They might also be hidden if the macro is stored in a Personal Macro Workbook that is currently disabled, or if the macro was declared as 'Private' in the VBA editor.
Does WPS Office support VBA and Excel macros?
Yes, WPS Office supports VBA macros. You can open, edit, and execute .xlsm and .xltm files seamlessly. The Developer tab in WPS Spreadsheet provides robust tools for recording macros and writing VBA code, closely mirroring Excel's functionality.
How do I fix a corrupted Excel workbook causing macro errors?
You can often fix corrupted files by opening a new blank workbook and using 'Paste Special > Values' to transfer your raw data without carrying over broken background code or formatting. Saving this clean file as an .xlsm format resolves most file-specific corruption issues.
