2/12/2020 557355 - DDE Does not Work when RSLinx Classic Software Running as Service

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DDE Does not Work when RSLinx Classic Software Running as Service
557355 | Date Created: 07/23/2013 | Last Updated: 01/07/2020
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Access Level: TechConnect

Problem
When doing Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) reads/writes through Microsoft Excel I am not able to
communicate with RSLinx Classic software when it is running as a service.
When RSLinx Classic is running in service mode, I cannot connect to RSLinx Classic DDE server using
Win911 DDE Client.
When retrieving data from RSLinx Classic through Microsoft Excel, it tries to start 'RSLINX.EXE'.
However, it fails with the error message:
Cannot run 'RSLINX.EXE'. The program or one of its components is damaged or
missing.

Environment
RSLinx Classic

Cause
DDE will only work if RSLinx Classic software is running as an Application.

Solution 1
Run RSLinx Classic software in Application mode when using DDE:

1. Navigate to Start > Programs > Rockwell Software > RSLinx > RSLinx Launch Control Panel .
2. Click Stop if the RSLinx Classic Service is running.
3. Uncheck Always Run As Service
4. Open RSLinx Classic software.

Solution 2
Consider converting your application to use OPC instead of DDE.

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Note 1: Microsoft no longer supports NetDDE, so DDE is limited to use on a local PC within a single security
context. Due to increased security in newer versions of Windows, DDE between user applications and
services is not allowed. The attached spreadsheet is sample code for using OPC in Excel instead of DDE.
Note 2: If using Win911, connect using OPC instead of DDE.
The following 3 items are needed for the spreadsheet to work with RSLinx Classic software:

1. RSLinx Classic software must be activated.

2. Node and OPC server names must be changed.

 Node  <PC Name>

 OPC Server  RSLinx OPC Server
 Group Name  Group_01
 Update Rate  1000
3. Topic name and item name need to be changed.

 Client  Item
 Handle  Name
 1  [Topic name]Tag1
 2  [Topic name]Tag2
 3  [Topic name]Tag3

Attachments
VBAExcelClient.zip (351338 bytes)

 
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