Introduction
The “Runtime error ‘1004’: Application-defined or object-defined error” that appears suddenly while executing macros is one of the most common and vague errors in VBA.
Because this error is generic, identifying the cause can be difficult for both beginners and intermediate users. In this article, I will focus specifically on this error occurring during the execution of ChartObjects.Delete, explaining its meaning, common causes, and solutions.
Meaning of the Error: “Application-defined or object-defined error”
This error occurs when the operation VBA attempts to execute does not match the current state of the Excel application or the target object.
In simple terms, it means Excel has determined: “This operation cannot be performed in the current situation.”
Common Causes (Focus on ChartObjects.Delete)
This error frequently occurs with code like the following:
wsDst.ChartObjects.Delete
This code attempts to delete all charts (ChartObjects) on a worksheet. The error is triggered if the worksheet is in one of the following states:
| Cause | Description |
| No charts exist | Executing .Delete when ChartObjects.Count = 0 causes an error in some versions or contexts. |
| Sheet Protection | If the target sheet is protected, deleting objects is prohibited. |
| Hidden Sheet | While less common for this specific error, selecting objects on a hidden sheet will fail (though ChartObjects.Delete without selection usually works). |
| Invalid Reference | The variable wsDst is Nothing or refers to a type that does not support ChartObjects (e.g., a Chart Sheet). |
| Chart Sheet | ChartObjects belongs to Worksheets. Independent “Chart Sheets” must be handled differently. |
Solutions
Solution 1: Check if Charts Exist Before Deleting
The most reliable prevention method is to check the Count property.
If wsDst.ChartObjects.Count > 0 Then
wsDst.ChartObjects.Delete
End If
By wrapping the delete command in an If statement, the code does nothing if no charts are present, avoiding the error.
Solution 2: Unprotect or Unhide the Sheet
Ensure the target sheet allows editing.
' Make visible
wsDst.Visible = xlSheetVisible
' Unprotect (Password optional)
wsDst.Unprotect "Password"
' Execute Deletion
If wsDst.ChartObjects.Count > 0 Then
wsDst.ChartObjects.Delete
End If
' Re-protect
wsDst.Protect "Password"
Solution 3: Distinguish Between Chart Types
Be aware that independent “Chart Sheets” (tabs that are entirely a graph) cannot be manipulated via the ChartObjects collection. ChartObjects are only for graphs embedded within a standard worksheet.
Summary
Runtime Error 1004 can stem from many causes. When it occurs, it is crucial to calmly verify the state of the object being manipulated.
Specifically for ChartObjects.Delete:
- Check if the count is greater than 0.
- Check if the sheet is protected.
Implementing these checks ensures stable macro execution.
