VBScript CopyFolder Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The CopyFolder method in VBScript is part of the FileSystemObject. It copies folders and their contents from one location to another. This method handles recursive copying of all subfolders and files. It's commonly used in backup scripts and file management operations.

CopyFolder provides options to overwrite existing files or skip them. It simplifies folder duplication tasks with a single method call. This tutorial covers CopyFolder with practical examples to demonstrate its usage in various scenarios.

CopyFolder Method Overview

The CopyFolder method takes source and destination paths as parameters. An optional third parameter controls overwrite behavior. The method is available through the FileSystemObject in VBScript scripting.

Key features include recursive folder copying and wildcard support. It can copy entire directory trees with one command. CopyFolder throws errors if paths are invalid or access is denied. Understanding this method helps automate file management tasks.

Basic Folder Copy

This example demonstrates the simplest use of CopyFolder to copy a folder. It shows how to duplicate a folder and its contents to a new location. The operation includes all subfolders and files within the source folder.

basic_copyfolder.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
source = "C:\Temp\Reports"
destination = "D:\Backups\Reports"

fso.CopyFolder source, destination

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

The script creates a FileSystemObject and calls CopyFolder. The "Reports" folder is copied from C:\Temp to D:\Backups. If the destination folder exists, it will raise an error unless overwrite is enabled.

Copying with Overwrite Option

This example shows how to use the overwrite parameter to control file replacement. When set to True, existing files in the destination are overwritten. False skips existing files during the copy operation.

overwrite_copy.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
source = "C:\Projects\Website"
destination = "D:\Backups\Website"

' True enables overwriting existing files
fso.CopyFolder source, destination, True

WScript.Echo "Folder copied with overwrite enabled"
Set fso = Nothing

The script copies the Website folder and overwrites any existing files in the destination. The third parameter (True) enables overwrite behavior. Without this parameter, the default is True in most Windows versions.

Using Wildcards in Folder Copy

CopyFolder supports wildcards to copy multiple matching folders. This example shows how to use the asterisk (*) wildcard. Only folders matching the pattern will be copied to the destination.

wildcard_copy.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
source = "C:\Projects\Web*"
destination = "D:\Backups"

fso.CopyFolder source, destination

WScript.Echo "All Web* folders copied successfully"
Set fso = Nothing

The script copies all folders starting with "Web" from C:\Projects to D:\Backups. Each matching folder maintains its original name in the destination. Wildcards provide flexibility when selecting folders to copy.

Handling Copy Errors

This example demonstrates error handling during folder copy operations. It uses VBScript's On Error Resume Next to catch and report copy failures. Proper error handling makes scripts more robust in production environments.

error_handling.vbs

On Error Resume Next

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
source = "C:\NonExistentFolder"
destination = "D:\Backups"

fso.CopyFolder source, destination

If Err.Number <> 0 Then
    WScript.Echo "Error copying folder: " & Err.Description
Else
    WScript.Echo "Folder copied successfully"
End If

On Error GoTo 0
Set fso = Nothing

The script attempts to copy a non-existent folder, triggering an error. The error handler displays a descriptive message instead of crashing. This approach is essential for unattended script execution.

Copying to Network Location

This example shows how to copy folders to a network share. The process is similar to local copying but requires proper network permissions. UNC paths are used to specify network locations.

network_copy.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
source = "C:\ImportantData"
destination = "\\Server\Shared\Backups"

fso.CopyFolder source, destination

WScript.Echo "Folder copied to network location"
Set fso = Nothing

The script copies ImportantData to a network share. The destination uses UNC format (\\Server\Share). Network copies may require authentication and proper share permissions. Large copies may take longer over network connections.

Source

FileSystemObject Documentation

In this article, we have explored the CopyFolder method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From basic folder copies to network operations, these examples demonstrate reliable folder duplication. With this knowledge, you can enhance your file management scripts with powerful copying capabilities.

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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