Code Error  800A03EE - Expected ')'

Troubleshooting Code 800A03EE - Expected ')'

Guy recommends:
VBScript Training Video on CD

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This Error 800A03EE can be tricky.  While it is indeed a syntax error, it may not be where you expect.  Therefore, check the Char: Number for the line of this error.

Introduction to Code 800A03EE

Error code 800A03EE occurs when you execute a VBScript.  You receive a message box from Windows Scripting Host.  Code 800A03EE means a syntax error, check your punctuation especially the ampersands.

The Symptoms you get

The script does not execute as you hoped, instead you get a WSH error message.

The Cause of Code 800A03EE

Your VBScript contain is missing a argument.   Note: The clue, Error: Expected ")'.  There is something wrong with a bracket or a speech mark.

Source: Microsoft VBScript compilation error, means there is a syntax error in your script, rather than a logical error with a server or network object.

The Solutions

The Windows Scripting Host gives us three useful clues, firstly, look on Line: 6, do count any remark or empty lines.  Secondly, the Char: number (34), is very useful in tracing the error.  In this case there is something wrong at the end of line 6.  Thirdly Error: ')' is pointing us to the script problem.  Therefore, check the syntax of your script and balance your brackets.

Example 1 of Script Code 800A03EE error

Note: The Line: 6 Char 34 strcn

It should be strcn)  note the closing bracket

Corrected Version

Example 2 - Missing ampersand

Sometimes Expected ')' is not the true problem, the real villain is the ampersand, or to be precise the missing ampersand (&). 

In terms of troubleshooting, we need to check Line: 11, Char: 37.
Set objDomain = GetObject("LDAP://" strContainer)

There should be an ampersand :

Set objDomain = GetObject("LDAP://" & strContainer)

Example 3 of Script Code 800A03EE error

Here is another example of Code 800A03EE , note the position of the speech marks, it should be:

Set objOU =GetObject("LDAP://ou=Worcester,dc=CP,dc=com")
 

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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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