Ways to Fix Compile Error in Hidden Module in Excel

Ways to Fix Compile Error in Hidden Module in Excel 1

Microsoft Excel allows you to use Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) language to create macros and automate the processes. However, sometimes, you encounter errors while using the VBA codes in Excel. The “compile error in hidden module” is one such error that can prevent you from accessing the project in Excel. In this article, we’ll discuss the causes behind this error and share different ways to resolve this compile error.

What is “Compile Error in Hidden Module” in Excel?

It is one of the VBA errors in Excel that usually occurs when you try to access a VBA macro from the hidden module. Module in Excel acts as a container with VBA codes, containing procedures, set of declarations, functions, queries, and complex macros. The compile error in hidden module often appears when the application fails to read the code in the module. This happens when the VBA code in the hidden module is not compatible with the version of the application you are using or the code is corrupted.

What Causes the “Compile Error in Hidden Module”?

This error can occur due to one of the following reasons:

  • The module from where you are trying to access the VBA code is protected
  • You might have created manual queries in the previous version that don’t support your current Excel version
  • Syntax errors in the VBA code
  • The module is password-protected
  • Incompatible Excel file version
  • Missing or corrupted mscomctl.ocx file

Methods to Resolve Compile Error in Hidden Module in Excel

You may encounter this error after downloading Microsoft Office updates. In such a case, you can roll back latest updates or uninstall the recent updates. You can also get this error while executing the code located in the protected module. You can check the error message for the name of the hidden module and then unprotect the module. If the issue persists, then follow the solutions below.

Method 1 – Delete Temporary Files (.exd)

The compile errors can occur due to corrupt .exd files. Excel automatically creates these temporary files when you insert Activex control objects. You can delete the .exd files to resolve the error. Here’s how to do so:

  • Open the Command Prompt window with administrative rights.
  • Type Del C:\*.EXD /s” … and then hit the Enter key.
  • Close the Command Prompt.

Method 2 – Enable Macro Settings

Incorrect Macro Security settings can restrict the macro execution, leading to the compile error in the hidden module in Excel. You can check and enable the macro settings in Excel to resolve the error. The steps are as follows:

  • In the Excel application, go to File > Options.
  • In Excel Options, select Trust Center and click Trust Center Settings.
  • Under Trust Center, click Macro Settings.
  • Under Macro Settings, you will see the following options:
  • Disable all macros without notification
  • Disable all macros with notification
  • Disable all macros except digitally signed macros
  • Enable all macros
  • Select the option labeled “Enable all macros” and click OK.

Method 3 – Enable the ActiveX Settings of all Microsoft Applications Option

You can experience the “compile error in hidden module” if the ActiveX settings in Excel are not enabled. It can occur if your Excel file contains the VBA code relying on the ActiveX controls or OCX files. You can check and enable the ActiveX settings in Excel. Here are the steps to do so:

  • In your Excel, go to File and then select Options.
  • In Excel options, click Trust Center and then Trust Center Settings.
  • In the Trust Center window, select ActiveX Settings and then select the “Enable all controls without restrictions and without prompting” option.

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  • Click OK. Then, restart your Excel to apply the changes.

Check if the error is fixed or not. If you still face the error, then check if the OCX files are missing from the Microsoft’s standard controls library. In such a case, you can re-register these files using the command line utility – Regsvr32.

Method 4 – Check the Code in Module

Sometimes, you can encounter the “compile error in hidden module” due to issues in the code. You can check the VBA code in VBA Editor. To open VBA Editor in Excel, press ALT+F11. Then, check and ensure all the syntaxes, parameters/references, and syntaxes of the objects are correct.

Method 5 – Repair your Excel File

The “compile error in hidden module” can also occur if the macros or queries in the Excel file are corrupted or damaged. Corruption in the file can create inconsistencies in the code. You can repair the Excel file using the inbuilt utility in Excel – Open and Repair. To use the Open and Repair utility to repair the Excel file, follow the steps below:

  • In the Excel application, navigate to File and then click Open.
  • In the Open dialog box, click on the affected workbook.
  • Click on the arrow next to Open and then click the Open and Repair option.

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  • Next, click Repair.

It will recover maximum data from the corrupted workbook.

The Open and Repair utility may not work if your Excel file is severely corrupted. In this case, the best option is to use a third-party Excel repair tool, like Stellar Repair for Excel. This tool can repair severely corrupted Excel file and restore all the components, including queries, macros, embedded functions, etc., by maintaining original formatting. You can use this tool to resolve complex errors that occur due to corruption in Excel files, including compile errors in hidden modules.

Conclusion

The “compile error in hidden module” can prevent you from executing the macros, disrupting your work. In this article, we have explained the causes behind this error and mentioned some effective solutions to fix this error. If the issue has occurred due to corruption in the Excel file, then you can use a professional Excel repair tool, like Stellar Repair for Excel. It is a reliable tool to repair and restore Excel file data. The tool supports Microsoft Excel 2019, 2016, and lower versions.