BUG: Starting Word Manually Uses Same Instance as Automation

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Start a new Visual Basic application.
2. Set a reference to the "Microsoft Word 8.0 Object Library." For Word 2000, set the reference to the "Microsoft Word 9.0 Object Library." For Word 2002, set the reference to the "Microsoft Word 10.0 Object Library."
3. Create a new Module and copy the following code into the module:

         Option Explicit
   
         Dim wrdApp As Word.Application
   
         Private Sub CreateWordObject()
             'Test if object is already created before calling CreateObject:
             If TypeName(wrdApp) <> "Application" Then
                 Set wrdApp = CreateObject("Word.Application")
             End If
         End Sub
   
         Private Sub UseWordObject()
             MsgBox TypeName(wrdApp) 'if displays "Application" then
                 'Reference to Word is valid, else reference is invalid and
                 'an error occurs on the following line:
             MsgBox wrdApp.Name
         End Sub
   
         Private Sub CloseWordObject()
             If TypeName(wrdApp) = "Application" Then
                 wrdApp.Quit  SaveChanges:=wdDoNotSaveChanges
                 Set wrdApp = Nothing
             End If
         End Sub
   					

4. Run the CreateWordObject procedure. A hidden instance of Microsoft Word is created.
5. Run the UseWordObject procedure. The message boxes should display "Application" and "Microsoft Word."
6. Start Microsoft Word (using the Windows Start button, Windows Explorer or the Microsoft Office toolbar, and so forth.)
7. Quit Microsoft Word.
8. Run the UseWordObject procedure.
   
   RESULT: The first message box displays "Object", which indicates the reference to Word is no longer valid. The next message box results in the run-time error when you attempt to use the Word object.

Workaround

    Private Sub CreateWordObject()
        Dim temp As Word.Application
        'Test if object is already created before calling CreateObject:
        If TypeName(wrdApp) <> "Application" Then
            Set temp = CreateObject("Word.Application")
            Set wrdApp = CreateObject("Word.Application")
            temp.Quit

            Set temp = Nothing
        End If
    End Sub