VbaError HandlingIntermediate

On Error

Controls how VBA responds when a run-time error occurs.

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On Error GoTo Handler
...
Exit Sub
Handler:
    ' recovery
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What it does

Overview

Controls how VBA responds when a run-time error occurs.

On Error is essential in VBA because workbook automation frequently touches fragile external state: missing sheets, missing files, locked workbooks, bad user input, and object model calls that raise run-time errors. It is powerful but dangerous. Structured handlers are usually safer than leaving Resume Next active across large blocks of code.

Quick reference

Syntax

On Error GoTo Handler
...
Exit Sub
Handler:
    ' recovery

See it in practice

Examples

1

Guard a worksheet lookup

On Error GoTo MissingSheet
Worksheets("Report").Activate
Exit Sub

MissingSheet:
    MsgBox "Report sheet not found"

Use a focused error path for expected workbook failures instead of crashing the macro.

Debug faster

Common Errors

1

Silent failure

Cause: Leaving On Error Resume Next active and masking unrelated failures later in the procedure.

Fix: Limit Resume Next to a small block and reset error handling with On Error GoTo 0 as soon as possible.

Runtime support

Compatibility

Excel desktop VBA

Source: Microsoft Learn Office VBA reference

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Controls how VBA responds when a run-time error occurs.

Silent failure: Limit Resume Next to a small block and reset error handling with On Error GoTo 0 as soon as possible.