Code Error 800A0400 - Expected statement

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Troubleshooting Code 800A0400 - Expected statement

Perhaps instead of 'Expected Statement', 'missing character' would be a better error message.  I have noticed with error 800A0400 how often the problem is at the beginning or the end of the line mentioned in the error message.

Introduction to Code 800A0400

Error code 800A0400 is a generic message when you execute a VBScript.  A wild guess, you have missed a command at the beginning of a line.

The Symptoms you get

The script does not execute as you had hoped.  Instead you get a message box like this picture:

The Cause of Error 800A0400

Your VBScript contain is missing a statement.  This is a difficult error to track down.  However, the good news is that I have three examples.  Most likely you have placed a statement, which is not appropriate for the logic of your script.  For example, extra brackets, or missing command. 

Note: the clue 'Source: Microsoft VBScript compilation error'.  My point is that 'compilation error' and not a 'runtime error', means this is a syntax error in your script.

The Solution for Error: Expected statement

The Windows Scripting Host gives us two useful clues, firstly, look on Line: 10, do count any remark or empty lines.  Secondly, the Char: number 1, is useful in tracing the error.  In this case there is something wrong with the Select statement.

The line number, as is so often the case, is crucial to solving this error.  The problem is that the whole line is gibberish to the VBScript engine.  So take another look at each word, punctuation and see if you can spot a simple error.

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Example 1 of Error code: 800A0400

Missing underscore at the end of the line 7:

Solution

Missing underscore at the end of the line:

WScript.Echo "WSH Version: " & WScript.Version & " " & _

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Example 2 of 800A0400

Error on Line 4.

Talk about stupid errors, there is no ' apostrophe to Rem out that line of dashes.

Actual

------------------------

Should be:

 '   -----------------------------

Example 3 of 800A0400  (Code available)

I just plain missed command, for example no 'Set'.

Problem

"Error" ObjNetwork = CreateObject("Wscript.Network")

Correction

Set ObjNetwork = CreateObject("Wscript.Network")

Example 4 - No need for End If

The 800A0400 error message in VBScript often appears when the user adds a "End" statement when there is no need for one. For example, in this script, the user puts "End If", when there is no If statement to end.

There was no need for the user to put "End If", so the script host says that the user needs to put an 'If' statement, but wouldn't it make much more sense if it told the user to delete the 'End If' statement?

This example was kindly sent in by Alex Jones.

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Do you need extra help?

For interpreting the WSH messages check Diagnose 800 errors.

For general advice try my 7 Troubleshooting techniques

Give something back?

Would you like to help others?  If you have a good example of this error, then please email me, I will publish it with a credit to you:

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