VB.Net working with ActiveDocument in an already running instance of word -

i have small vb.net application opens new word document template (opens document1.docx example). runs code find replace text.

it allows user edit open document. there small winform open button called 'complete'. when user clicks this, want save document , further editing etc.

however, cannot code work see active document in running instance of word.

whenever refer activedocument, throws , exception saying there no documents open.

the code looking save active document in separate sub word.application object created. word running document open still fails.

i've tried following make sure getting instance of word open; wordapp = marshal.getactiveobject("word.application")

but still not see open documents.

any suggestions?

edit #1 - sorry not including code;

this code starts word , basic find/replace. starts form3 stays in place whilst user edits word document. code runs button click on form 2;

    dim oword word.application     dim odoc word.document     dim path string      path = "c:\templates/"     try         oword = createobject("word.application")         oword.visible = true     catch ex exception       ''some error handling code not included purpose of stackoverflow       end try      try         odoc = oword.documents.add(path & "mg11.dot")     catch ex exception          ''some error handling code not included purpose of stackoverflow       end try       oword.selection.find         ''find & replace code - works not included stackoverflow     end      form3.show()     me.windowstate = formwindowstate.minimized     form1.windowstate = formwindowstate.minimized '(form 1 has no code effects word)       end sub 

form 3 has 1 button, when pressed should save word document. give filename based on info elsewhere. basic code shown here - need vb.net see active document now. code ran on button_1 click form 3.

dim wordapp word.application dim odoc word.document = wordapp.activedocument

    odoc = wordapp.activedocument 

i've tried;

    dim wordapp word.application     wordapp = marshal.getactiveobject("word.application")     dim odoc word.document      odoc = wordapp.activedocument 

'once odoc set use saveas2 handle saving etc

it fails on wordapp.activedocument, stating there no open documents.

either make sure oword in scope in form3. might in scope or add public word.applications property form3 , set property before showing form.

in first case access activedocument on existing oword object in scope, in second set property on form , access before showing.

 oword.activedocument