Can't exit design mode because Control 'xxxx' can not be created

What is the cause of this error and how do I fix it?

This started occurring on a workbook of ours for reasons unexplained. I made a tiny change to the VBA code behind it, just plotting slightly different values on a chart; everything looks really benign, and definitely not button-related. Why this error, then?

The error occurs only on certain machines, not others.

There is a Microsoft Dev Center article on this error, but it isn't helpful:

All controls must be instantiated before you can exit design mode. This error has the following causes and solutions:

The control specified in the error message dialog box could not be created. Code can only run after all controls are instantiated and properly connected. Make sure every file needed for the control is available before trying again.

Note that this is a different issue from the one caused by the Dec 10, 2014 Microsoft Office automatic update; the fix for that one doesn't solve this problem.

3 Answers

There is a very simple fix for this issue:

1. Close all Excel documents
2. Open a blank document
3. Excel options > Trust center settings>macro settings>Select{Disable all macros with notifications}

4. Active X settings >

   Select either:

   • Disable all controls without notifications
   • Prompt me before enabling all controls with minimal restrictions

Apply all settings and close.

Open the affected file and check allow the prompt to enable macros if required.

I had the same message for Control 'CommandButton13'. The spreadsheet worked OK on my colleagues PC, but not mine.
I noticed that in the VBA editor, one of the worksheets had somehow had the name changed from Sheet13 to CommandButton1. On my colleauges PC, we changed the name back & saved the file. It now works OK on my PC too.

Cheers,

Due to a recent Office Update, ActiveX Controls became useless, maybe that's the issue that troubles you. There ara a few archives related that once deleted and regenerated can solve your problem, if that's your issue.

For more information, you can read this post: Bacon Bits: Office Update Breaks ActiveX Controls

Hope it works!