VBScript Attributes Property
last modified April 9, 2025
The Attributes property in VBScript is part of the
FileSystemObject object model. It represents the attributes of a
file or folder, such as read-only, hidden, or system status. This property
allows reading and modifying file/folder attributes programmatically.
Attributes are represented as numeric values using bitmask constants. You can
check, set, or remove specific attributes using bitwise operations. This
tutorial covers the Attributes property with practical examples to
demonstrate its usage.
Attributes Property Overview
The Attributes property is available for both File and
Folder objects. It returns or sets an integer representing the
current attributes. Each attribute corresponds to a specific bit in this integer
value.
Common attribute constants include Normal (0), ReadOnly (1), Hidden (2), System (4), and Archive (32). Attributes can be combined using bitwise OR operations. Understanding these constants is essential for working with file attributes.
Checking File Attributes
This example demonstrates how to check a file's attributes. We'll examine whether a file is read-only, hidden, or has other attributes set. The script uses bitwise AND operations to test specific attributes.
Const ReadOnly = 1
Const Hidden = 2
Const System = 4
Const Archive = 32
Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set file = fso.GetFile("C:\test.txt")
If (file.Attributes And ReadOnly) = ReadOnly Then
WScript.Echo "File is read-only"
End If
If (file.Attributes And Hidden) = Hidden Then
WScript.Echo "File is hidden"
End If
Set file = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing
The script first defines attribute constants for clarity. It then checks the file's attributes using bitwise operations. The AND operation isolates specific bits to test whether they're set. This approach allows checking multiple attributes independently.
Setting File Attributes
This example shows how to modify a file's attributes. We'll set the read-only and hidden attributes while preserving other existing attributes. The script demonstrates proper bitwise operations for attribute manipulation.
Const ReadOnly = 1
Const Hidden = 2
Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set file = fso.GetFile("C:\test.txt")
' Set read-only and hidden attributes while preserving others
file.Attributes = file.Attributes Or ReadOnly Or Hidden
WScript.Echo "Attributes set successfully"
Set file = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing
The script uses bitwise OR to add attributes without affecting others. This approach ensures existing attributes remain unchanged. The operation combines the current attributes with the new ones we want to set.
Removing File Attributes
This example demonstrates removing specific attributes from a file. We'll remove the read-only attribute while keeping other attributes intact. The script uses bitwise NOT and AND operations for precise attribute control.
Const ReadOnly = 1
Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set file = fso.GetFile("C:\test.txt")
' Remove read-only attribute while preserving others
file.Attributes = file.Attributes And (Not ReadOnly)
WScript.Echo "Read-only attribute removed"
Set file = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing
The script first inverts the read-only constant using NOT. Then it ANDs this value with the current attributes. This operation clears only the read-only bit while leaving other attribute bits unchanged.
Listing All Attributes
This example shows how to list all attributes set on a file. It checks each possible attribute and reports which ones are active. The script provides a comprehensive view of a file's attributes.
Const Normal = 0
Const ReadOnly = 1
Const Hidden = 2
Const System = 4
Const Volume = 8
Const Directory = 16
Const Archive = 32
Const Alias = 1024
Const Compressed = 2048
Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set file = fso.GetFile("C:\test.txt")
WScript.Echo "File attributes for: " & file.Name
If file.Attributes = Normal Then
WScript.Echo "Normal (no attributes set)"
Else
If (file.Attributes And ReadOnly) = ReadOnly Then WScript.Echo "ReadOnly"
If (file.Attributes And Hidden) = Hidden Then WScript.Echo "Hidden"
If (file.Attributes And System) = System Then WScript.Echo "System"
' Additional attribute checks would follow the same pattern
End If
Set file = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing
The script defines all standard attribute constants for completeness. It then checks each attribute individually against the file's attributes. This approach provides a detailed breakdown of which attributes are currently set.
Combining Multiple Attribute Operations
This advanced example demonstrates complex attribute manipulation. We'll set some attributes while clearing others in a single operation. The script shows how to perform multiple attribute changes efficiently.
Const ReadOnly = 1
Const Hidden = 2
Const Archive = 32
Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set file = fso.GetFile("C:\test.txt")
' Set Archive, remove ReadOnly, preserve Hidden if set
file.Attributes = (file.Attributes And (Not ReadOnly)) Or Archive
WScript.Echo "Attributes updated:"
WScript.Echo "Archive set, ReadOnly cleared, Hidden preserved"
Set file = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing
The script performs multiple attribute operations in one statement. It clears the read-only attribute, sets the archive attribute, and preserves the hidden attribute if it was set. This demonstrates efficient attribute management.
Source
FileSystemObject Documentation
In this article, we have explored the Attributes property in
VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From basic attribute
checking to complex manipulation, these examples demonstrate robust file
attribute management. With this knowledge, you can enhance your file handling
scripts with precise attribute control.
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