Your macros broke after a Windows update. Someone in accounting can't run the report that's been running every Monday for six years. You have two obvious options: find a developer who knows VBA, or use a tool designed specifically for this situation.
Both approaches work. They're appropriate for different situations. Here's how to think about which one fits yours.
Before comparing options, it helps to understand why the macros broke. The most common causes after a Windows or Office update:
Declare Function or Declare Sub calling Windows APIs needs the PtrSafe keyword added. This is a well-defined, systematic problem with a well-defined fix.The first three are migration/compatibility problems: the code was fine, the environment changed. LegacyLeaps handles these. The last one is a software development problem: the code needs to be debugged. A developer handles that.
VBA is a specialized skill. Developers who actually know VBA well — not just Excel formulas, but complex module structures, API declarations, class hierarchies, and COM automation — typically charge $75–$150/hour for independent consultants, $100–$200/hour through an agency.
For a broken Declare Function that a developer has seen before: 1–2 hours including testing. For a complex workbook with multiple ActiveX controls and undocumented VBA code written by someone who left three years ago: easily 8–20 hours.
The unpredictability is the expensive part. You don't know how many hours it will take until the developer is already into it.
| Scenario | Typical Developer Hours | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 PtrSafe errors in a simple file | 1–2 hours | $75–$300 |
| Multiple API declarations, well-documented code | 2–4 hours | $150–$600 |
| ActiveX controls needing replacement | 4–10 hours | $300–$1,500 |
| Complex undocumented workbook, multiple modules | 8–20 hours | $600–$3,000 |
| 10+ files with mixed issues | 40–100 hours | $3,000–$15,000 |
These are estimates. Actual costs vary significantly based on code complexity, documentation quality, and developer experience with the specific issues.
LegacyLeaps uses per-file pricing:
The free scan tells you what's in each file before you pay anything.
| Factor | Developer | LegacyLeaps |
|---|---|---|
| PtrSafe / 64-bit API fixes | Yes (2–4 hrs) | Yes (automated) |
| Format conversion (.xls → .xlsm) | Yes (part of job) | Yes (core feature) |
| ActiveX control replacement | Yes | Yes (identifies + advises) |
| Custom logic bugs / business logic errors | Yes | No — requires a developer |
| Undocumented legacy code debugging | Yes (at hourly rate) | No |
| Batch processing (10+ files) | Linear cost increase | More economical at scale |
| Speed for systematic issues | Days to schedule + complete | Hours |
| Cost predictability | Unpredictable (hourly) | Predictable (per-file pricing) |
| Data stays on your machine | Depends on arrangement | Yes — always local |
| 100% Money-Back Guarantee | No | Yes |
Run the free scan — it tells you exactly what VBA code, ActiveX controls, and API declarations are in your file. If it's a systematic compatibility issue, LegacyLeaps handles it. If it's custom logic that needs debugging, we'll tell you and you can find the right developer.
Try the Free ScanA developer is the right choice when:
LegacyLeaps is the right choice when:
The two options aren't mutually exclusive. A reasonable workflow for a broken macro situation:
LegacyLeaps resolves the mechanical migration work. A developer handles the code-specific reasoning. Combining them is usually cheaper and faster than using just one.
Before you spend money on a developer or a conversion tool, know exactly what you're dealing with. The LegacyLeaps scan takes minutes and gives you a complete report on every macro, control, and API call in your file — free.
Download Free ScannerRelated: VBA Macros Stopped Working — Troubleshooting Guide · LegacyLeaps vs Manual Migration
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