How to use workbook.saveas with automatic Overwrite

How to Use Workbook.SaveAs with Automatic Overwrite 📑🔄

Have you ever come across the annoying prompt in Excel that asks if you want to overwrite an existing file when using the Workbook.SaveAs method? 🤔

In this blog post, we'll dive into the common issue of Excel always prompting you to overwrite an existing file despite setting DisplayAlerts = False. We'll provide you with easy solutions to overcome this problem and save your precious time! ⏰

The Problem: Why Does Workbook.SaveAs Always Prompt to Overwrite? ❓↩️

Let's take a look at the provided code snippet:

Application.DisplayAlerts = False
Set xls = CreateObject("Excel.Application")
Set wb = xls.Workbooks.Add
fullFilePath = importFolderPath & "\" & "A.xlsx"

wb.SaveAs fullFilePath, AccessMode:=xlExclusive, ConflictResolution:=True   

wb.Close(True)

It seems logical to assume that by setting DisplayAlerts to False, we would prevent Excel from displaying any alerts, including the overwrite prompt. However, it doesn't have the desired effect. 😞

The reason behind this behavior is that the ConflictResolution parameter is not correctly used in the Workbook.SaveAs method. This parameter has two potential values: xlLocalSessionChanges or xlOtherSessionChanges. By default, it's set to xlOtherSessionChanges, and that's why Excel prompts you to overwrite the file. 😱

The Solution: Using the Correct Conflict Resolution Value 🛠✅

To avoid Excel's annoying overwrite prompt, we need to provide the correct value for the ConflictResolution parameter.

wb.SaveAs fullFilePath, AccessMode:=xlExclusive, ConflictResolution:=xlLocalSessionChanges

By setting ConflictResolution to xlLocalSessionChanges, you're telling Excel to consider the local session's changes as the latest version and overwrite the existing file without prompting. Problem solved! 🎉🙌

Never Be Asked to Overwrite Again! 🙅‍♀️🚫

With this simple adjustment to your code, you can bypass the pesky overwrite prompt and save yourself valuable time and frustration. 🕒⏳

But remember, always use this solution with caution, as any unsaved changes in the existing file will be lost without warning. Make sure you have a backup if needed! 💾🔒

So go ahead, give it a try, and never be asked to overwrite again! Your Excel automation workflow will thank you. 😉🤖

And if you found this solution helpful, don't forget to share it with your friends and colleagues who might also benefit from it. Sharing is caring! ❤️📤

Now it's your turn! Have you encountered this problem before, or do you have any other Excel-related challenges? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. Let's discuss and find solutions together! 🗣️🤝

Happy coding and happy Excel-saving! 😄💻📊