Code 800A0005 when using set objFile = objFSO.OpenTextFile

Question

I have searched this error code numerous times and have gone to numerous sites to read responses. Long story short, still haven't found a solution.

One page referenced: Error while sending ( character with sendkeys in vbscript

Here is my code:

set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
Return = WshShell.Run("C:\Downloads\software\putty.exe -load navstat")

DIM date 
date = 301113

DIM tran1
tran1 = TAFFY

set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject") 
set objFile = objFSO.OpenTextFile("C:\Users\Adrian\Desktop\Entries1.txt", ForReading) 

Do Until objFile.AtEndOfStream 
    strLine = objFile.ReadLine 
    If InStr(strLine, "JFK.GREKI3.MARTN..TOPPS") Then 
        set indi = 2 
        set tran1 = TOPPS 
    End If
Loop

What's going on: I am scanning a .txt file (Entries1.txt) for text strings. If they occur I need to set corresponding indi values (so when indi is used later as a variable it will use the correct #) and change the tran1 variables as well.

For some reason I'm getting an error at:

set objFile = objFSO.OpenTextFile

The error is

Invalid procedure call or argument Code: 800A0005

Help would be greatly appreciated.

Solution 1

Removing the ForReading portion of the line allows it to execute on my system using the following code:

'Saved in D:\TempFiles\TypeFile.vbs
set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject") 
set objFile = objFSO.OpenTextFile("C:\Users\Ken\Desktop\Test.txt") 

Do Until objFile.AtEndOfStream 
    strLine = objFile.ReadLine 
    wscript.echo strLine
Loop

I tested using a simple Test.txt containing the following:

Line 1
Line 2
Line 3
Line 4
Line 5
Line 6

I tested it using the following at a command prompt:

D:\TempFiles>cscript TypeFile.vbs

I received this output:

Note: An additional problem you'll encounter is using set on this line (and perhaps the one that follows it):

set indi = 2

indi is a simple variable, not an object, and therefore there's no need for set. Just assign the value directly:

indi = 2

Solution 2

While Ken's solution is correct, it doesn't properly explain the reason for the error you're getting, so I'm adding a supplementary answer.

The error is caused by the identifier ForReading in the line

set objFile = objFSO.OpenTextFile("C:\Users\Adrian\Desktop\Entries1.txt", ForReading)

The OpenTextFile method accepts an optional second parameter iomode that can have a value of either 1, 2 or 8. However, contrary to what the documentation suggests, there are no pre-defined constants for these numeric values. Unless you define them yourself (which you didn't), e.g. like this:

Const ForReading   = 1
Const ForWriting   = 2
Const ForAppending = 8

you must use the numeric values or omit the parameter entirely (in which case it defaults to 1).

If you use an undefined identifier like ForReading the interpreter will automatically initialize it with the value Empty, which could produce unexpected behavior as it did in your case.

Demonstration:

>>> WScript.Echo TypeName(ForReading)
Empty
>>> Set f = fso.OpenTextFile("C:\Temp\some.txt", ForReading)
Invalid procedure call or argument (0x5)
>>> WScript.Echo TypeName(f)
Empty
>>> Set f = fso.OpenTextFile("C:\Temp\some.txt", Empty)
Invalid procedure call or argument (0x5)
>>> WScript.Echo TypeName(f)
Empty
>>> 'parameter omitted
>>> Set f = fso.OpenTextFile("C:\Temp\some.txt")
>>> WScript.Echo TypeName(f)
TextStream
>>> Set f = Nothing
>>> 'numeric parameter
>>> Set f = fso.OpenTextFile("C:\Temp\some.txt", 1)
>>> WScript.Echo TypeName(f)
TextStream
>>> Set f = Nothing
>>> 'define identifier before using it as parameter
>>> ForReading = 1
>>> WScript.Echo TypeName(ForReading)
Integer
>>> Set f = fso.OpenTextFile("C:\Temp\some.txt", ForReading)
>>> WScript.Echo TypeName(f)
TextStream

You can avoid this kind of issue by using Option Explicit (which is highly recommended for production code). It will raise a run-time error when there are undefined variables in your code, allowing you to detect problems like this early on.

Comments

[Ken White]

If you're getting the error at the line you indicate, all of the code beyond that is irrelevant clutter and can be removed from your question; it's meaningless, because execution never gets to that point.

[Ken White]

What happens if you copy that exact path and filename to the clipboard, exactly as it is in your code, open Notepad, use File->Open from the menu, and paste it into the filename entry and click "Open"?

[Adrian]

The document I want to scan opens like I would expect.

[Adrian]

Thanks. I modified it and now it gets to set indi = 2 before it errors. Hmmmm, Error: Object required: '[number:2]' I haven't researched this error code yet, so I'll go do that now.

[Ken White]

Sorry, but that's not the question you asked here. I've answered that one. :-) We can't be expected to debug every single line of your script. (I'll bail you out on this one, but in the future ask a separate question.) Remove the set, leaving indy = 2. It's a simple variable, and doesn't need to be set.

[Adrian]

You're very correct. I've marked your answer as accepted. I appreciate your time and input.

[Adrian]

Now I have. Thanks a lot. You saved me a lot of time both tonight and at work. I just ran it and it runs, albeit inputs incorrect info, but I can take care of that. Thanks again.