Books for VBA for Word 2000 (Word 2000, VBA 6.3)

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Hello,

I had previously been working with Office 97, but was recently upgraded to Office 2000 and would like to purchase a book for VBA in Office 2000. I see that there are a lot of books available, but was wondering if any of the experts could recommend one for me. I would really like a comprehensive book as it will need to be shared with others that need to learn VBA still.

Thanks in advance,
magella

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Hi Magella… you seem to understand Word VBA fairly well… I’m just starting to code… I have purchased two books – Word 2000 VBA by Duncan Mackenzie (includes a full reference to the Word object model) and Writing Word Macros by Steven Roman. The latter is more for newcomers, like myself and explains the whole new dimension! I am also including a link to Microsystems Book Recommendations (Microsystems is a company which converts other word processing documents (i.e., WordPerfect) into Word documents and know Word inside/out… you may want to check out some of the publications!!) http://www.microsystems.com/books_vba.htm%5B/url%5D Enjoy… trish

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I would not rely on the list at the Microsystems site.

They list at least one book that never has been published and has been cancelled by the publisher. Recommending a book that has never existed makes me wonder how they decide to include a book in the list.

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I’d suggest getting VBA books for the apps in which you are interested.

An “Office” VBA book would not be helpful.

See the list of Word VBA books at my URL below.

VBA is, in effect, a subset of VB 6 with an app specific object model.

As you will see in my book list, depending on how deeply you want to get
into this stuff, one needs to read VB, as well as VBA books.
Do not choose a book based on price. Many/most are not worth purchasing.

For VB 6, I recommend Gary Cornell’s Visual Basic 6 from the Ground Up.

For Word VBA, Steve Roman’s Writing Word Macros.

For Excel VBA, John WAlkenbach’s books (see http://www.j-walk.com/ss/about/index.htm%5B/url%5D) or the Wrox Press Excel VBA book.
Actually, you’ll need both as each book covers stuff not in the other.

For Outlook VBA, Sue Mosher’s book.

Check prices at http://www.besbooktbuys.com[/url%5D.

Best prices on computer books are usually at http://www.bookpool.com[/url%5D .

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One advanced Office VBA book which I recommend (and think every Office VBA developer should have a copy of) is Microsoft Press’ “Microsoft Office 2000 Visual Basic Programmer’s Guide” by Shank/Roberts/Myers. It doesn’t go into any of the individual application’s object models in too much depth, but contains a wealth of material and useful code for professional development.

It may no longer be in print; my best tip for getting older computer books cheap is to go to Amazon.com, locate the book, and then click on the link for new and used copies sold by associate sellers (you can get books for well under half price that way).

If you can do without a hard copy, this book is available online free at the MSDN library: here.

Gary

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I agree.

The Office 2000 VBPG is one of the book’s in my WordVBA book list.

It is worth having a printed copy just to be ablew to browse thru.
It’s got loads of info.

I believe it is out of print.
ISBN was 1572319526.

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Hi Gary

Found the online version OK, but is there a version available for download ?

Alan

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Alan,

Not that I’m aware of; would be nice, wouldn’t it?
Have to say that, given that the book is apparently no longer available in bookstores, it was nice of MS to put it up on their site at all.

Gary

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Gary,

Yes, it would be nice. It’s still possible to save browser pages of course, but the result is rather messy. Such is life.

I know somebody at work gets monthly CDs that are somehow associated with msdn. Maybe it appeared on one of those ?? I’ll dig in when I’ve got the time.

cheers

Alan

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Hello Trish, Howard, and Gary,

Thank you for you book suggestions. I already have Writing Word Macros by Steven Roman, and will look in to some of your other recommendations. I appreciate your responses!

Thanks,
magella

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Magella,

I know it’s been a while since you posted this, but in looking for a good book on Word macros, I first came across your request here several weeks ago. As a result of several people recommending Steve Roman’s book in this thread, I bought it, but found it very difficult to follow. He seemed to be using a kind of “tough love” where he didn’t bother with a lot of helpful detailed explanation. He even said in his introduction something to the effect that he didn’t believe in introductory programming books that did a lot of “handholding” and that went at a slow pace.

Well, I usually find I need some handholding in learning new concepts and his pace was just too fast and sparse for me.

I’ve just gotten another book which I really like so far, although I’ve only read about 40 pages. Unfortunately I think it’s out of print–I had a hard time finding it. I was able to get a used copy from amazon.com, however. It’s called Word 2000 VBA, Programmer’s Reference by Duncan Mackenzie. He explains things very clearly, which is just my style.

Don’t know if you’re still looking, but I really like this one.

By the way, if you’ve found a book you like, I’d be interested in hearing about it.

Russ

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Russ,

Thank you for your suggestion – I’ll have to look for that one. I have the one by Steve Roman, which I find helpful, but I am still on the lookout for another book. I really would like to find one that is at a more-detailed level as well as I am supposed to start training others and need a book that they can use – the Steve Roman book is a little too advanced for some in my dept.

Thanks again,
magella

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Russ,

Thank you for your suggestion – I’ll have to look for that one. I have the one by Steve Roman, which I find helpful, but I am still on the lookout for another book. I really would like to find one that is at a more-detailed level as well as I am supposed to start training others and need a book that they can use – the Steve Roman book is a little too advanced for some in my dept.

Thanks again,
magella

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Magella,

I know it’s been a while since you posted this, but in looking for a good book on Word macros, I first came across your request here several weeks ago. As a result of several people recommending Steve Roman’s book in this thread, I bought it, but found it very difficult to follow. He seemed to be using a kind of “tough love” where he didn’t bother with a lot of helpful detailed explanation. He even said in his introduction something to the effect that he didn’t believe in introductory programming books that did a lot of “handholding” and that went at a slow pace.

Well, I usually find I need some handholding in learning new concepts and his pace was just too fast and sparse for me.

I’ve just gotten another book which I really like so far, although I’ve only read about 40 pages. Unfortunately I think it’s out of print–I had a hard time finding it. I was able to get a used copy from amazon.com, however. It’s called Word 2000 VBA, Programmer’s Reference by Duncan Mackenzie. He explains things very clearly, which is just my style.

Don’t know if you’re still looking, but I really like this one.

By the way, if you’ve found a book you like, I’d be interested in hearing about it.

Russ

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