VBScript CopyFile Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The CopyFile method in VBScript is part of the FileSystemObject. It copies one or more files from one location to another. This method provides flexible file copying capabilities in scripts. It can overwrite existing files if specified. The method handles both single files and wildcard patterns.

CopyFile is essential for file management tasks in VBScript. It simplifies backup operations and file distribution. This tutorial covers CopyFile with practical examples to demonstrate its usage. You'll learn various copying scenarios and error handling techniques.

CopyFile Method Overview

The CopyFile method takes three parameters: source, destination, and overwrite flag. Source can be a single file or wildcard pattern. Destination must be a folder path or target filename. The overwrite flag determines if existing files should be replaced.

Key features include wildcard support and optional overwrite control. The method raises errors for invalid paths or permission issues. CopyFile preserves file attributes during copying. Understanding this method helps create robust file management scripts.

Basic File Copy

This example demonstrates the simplest use of CopyFile to copy a single file. It shows how to specify source and destination paths. The file is copied to the new location with the same name.

basic_copy.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
source = "C:\Temp\report.txt"
destination = "C:\Backup\report.txt"

fso.CopyFile source, destination

Set fso = Nothing
WScript.Echo "File copied successfully"

The script creates a FileSystemObject and calls CopyFile. The source file "report.txt" is copied to the backup folder. The destination includes the filename. The script confirms completion with a message.

Copying with Wildcards

This example shows how to copy multiple files using wildcards. The asterisk (*) wildcard matches all files with a specific extension. All matching files in the source folder are copied to the destination.

wildcard_copy.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
source = "C:\Logs\*.log"
destination = "D:\Archive\"

fso.CopyFile source, destination

Set fso = Nothing
WScript.Echo "All log files copied to archive"

The script copies all .log files from C:\Logs to D:\Archive. The destination is specified as a folder path. Each file keeps its original name. Wildcards enable batch operations on multiple files.

Overwriting Existing Files

This example demonstrates the overwrite parameter of CopyFile. When set to True, existing files are replaced. When False, the operation fails if the destination exists. The default is True if omitted.

overwrite_copy.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
source = "C:\Data\config.ini"
destination = "C:\Backup\config.ini"

' False prevents overwriting existing files
fso.CopyFile source, destination, False

Set fso = Nothing
WScript.Echo "File copied (not overwritten if exists)"

The script attempts to copy config.ini without overwriting. If the destination exists, an error occurs. This protects against accidental data loss. Error handling should be added for production scripts.

Copying to a Different Filename

This example shows how to copy a file while changing its name. The destination includes a new filename. The original file content is preserved in the new location with the new name.

rename_copy.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
source = "C:\Reports\Q1.pdf"
destination = "C:\Archives\Quarterly_Report_2025_Q1.pdf"

fso.CopyFile source, destination

Set fso = Nothing
WScript.Echo "File copied with new name"

The script copies Q1.pdf to a new location with a descriptive name. Both source and destination include filenames. This technique is useful for versioning or organizing files. The original file remains unchanged.

Error Handling in CopyFile

This example demonstrates error handling during file copying. VBScript's On Error Resume Next prevents script termination on errors. The script checks for common issues like missing files or access denied.

error_handling.vbs

On Error Resume Next

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
source = "C:\NonExistent\file.txt"
destination = "C:\Backup\file.txt"

fso.CopyFile source, destination

If Err.Number <> 0 Then
    WScript.Echo "Error " & Err.Number & ": " & Err.Description
    Err.Clear
Else
    WScript.Echo "File copied successfully"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script attempts to copy a non-existent file. The error handler catches and displays the problem. This approach makes scripts more robust in real-world scenarios. Always include error handling for file operations.

Source

FileSystemObject Documentation

In this article, we have explored the CopyFile method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From basic file copying to advanced scenarios with error handling, these examples demonstrate reliable file operations. With this knowledge, you can enhance your file management scripts.

Author

My name is Jan Bodnar and I am a passionate programmer with many years of programming experience. I have been writing programming articles since 2007. So far, I have written over 1400 articles and 8 e-books. I have over eight years of experience in teaching programming.

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