Opening Word Document using VBA in Access 2013

Question

I'm using Access 2013 and created a help button on a form that I would like to open up a Word doc with instructions. Here's the code I tried:

Private Sub cmdHelp_Click()
    Dim wrdApp As Word.Application
    Dim wrdDoc As Word.Document
    Dim filepath As String

    Set wrdApp = CreateObject("Word.Application")
    wrdApp.Visible = True

    filepath = "C:\...\Handout.docx"
    Set wrdDoc = wrdApp.Documents.Open(filepath)
End Sub

The problem is, when I try to compile I get an error on the first line that says "User-defined type not defined"

Solution 1

Please check if you set appropriate reference to Word Library in VBA Environment.

To do so follow the path:

Go to VBA Editor >> Menu >> Tools >> References >> 
    Find on the list Microsoft Word XX.X Object Library where 
    XX.X is the highest available number >> 
Check it >> press OK.

Solution 2

Wouldn't be easier just to do:

Shell "winword ""c:\...\Handout.docx"""

... instead of creating an object just to open the application?

Comments

[Fionnuala]

It is nearly always better to develop with early binding and release with late binding.