VBScript Delete Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The Delete method in VBScript is part of the FileSystemObject. It permanently removes files or folders from the file system. This method is powerful and should be used with caution as deleted items cannot be recovered. It's commonly used in file cleanup and maintenance scripts.

Delete can remove both files and folders, with options for recursive deletion. It permanently erases data without sending to recycle bin. This tutorial covers Delete with practical examples to demonstrate its usage in various scenarios.

Delete Method Overview

The Delete method takes one required parameter (the path) and one optional parameter (force deletion). It returns no value but may raise errors if the operation fails. The method is available through FileSystemObject in VBScript scripting.

Key features include permanent deletion and recursive folder removal. It doesn't provide undo functionality or move items to recycle bin. Delete works with both absolute and relative paths. Understanding this method helps create effective file management scripts.

Deleting a Single File

This example demonstrates the simplest use of Delete to remove a single file. It shows basic file deletion with error handling. The script checks if the file exists before attempting deletion.

delete_file.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
filePath = "C:\Temp\old_report.txt"

If fso.FileExists(filePath) Then
    fso.DeleteFile(filePath)
    WScript.Echo "File deleted successfully"
Else
    WScript.Echo "File does not exist"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script creates a FileSystemObject and checks for file existence. If the file exists, it calls DeleteFile to remove it. The operation is permanent and immediate. Always verify file existence to avoid errors.

Deleting a Folder with Contents

This example shows how to delete an entire folder including all its contents. The DeleteFolder method with True parameter enables recursive deletion. It removes all subfolders and files within the target.

delete_folder.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
folderPath = "C:\Temp\OldProjects"

If fso.FolderExists(folderPath) Then
    fso.DeleteFolder folderPath, True
    WScript.Echo "Folder and contents deleted"
Else
    WScript.Echo "Folder does not exist"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script checks folder existence before deletion attempt. The second parameter True forces deletion of all contents. This operation is irreversible and removes everything in the folder hierarchy. Use with extreme caution.

Deleting Multiple Files with Wildcards

VBScript can delete multiple files matching a pattern using wildcards. This example demonstrates batch deletion of temporary files. The script uses GetFolder and Files collection to find matches.

wildcard_delete.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
tempFolder = "C:\Temp"
Set folder = fso.GetFolder(tempFolder)

For Each file In folder.Files
    If LCase(fso.GetExtensionName(file.Name)) = "tmp" Then
        file.Delete
        WScript.Echo "Deleted: " & file.Name
    End If
Next

Set fso = Nothing

The script iterates through all files in the Temp folder. It checks each file's extension and deletes .tmp files. This approach allows selective deletion based on file attributes. Wildcards provide powerful file management capabilities.

Handling Delete Errors

This example demonstrates proper error handling when using the Delete method. It includes a subroutine to safely attempt deletion. Error handling prevents script termination on failure.

error_handling.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
filePath = "C:\Temp\locked_file.txt"

On Error Resume Next
fso.DeleteFile filePath

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

On Error GoTo 0
Set fso = Nothing

The script uses On Error Resume Next to handle potential errors. If deletion fails, it displays the error message without crashing. This approach is essential for robust file management scripts. Always clear errors after handling them.

Deleting Read-Only Files

This example shows how to delete read-only files by first changing their attributes. The script removes the read-only flag before deletion. This technique works around common deletion obstacles.

readonly_delete.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
filePath = "C:\Temp\important.log"

If fso.FileExists(filePath) Then
    Set file = fso.GetFile(filePath)
    file.Attributes = 0 ' Remove all attributes
    file.Delete
    WScript.Echo "Read-only file deleted"
Else
    WScript.Echo "File not found"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script first gets the file object to modify its attributes. Setting attributes to 0 removes all special flags including read-only. After attribute change, the file can be deleted normally. This approach ensures successful deletion of protected files.

Source

FileSystemObject Documentation

In this article, we have explored the Delete method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From single file deletion to complex folder removal, these examples demonstrate reliable file system management. With this knowledge, you can create robust cleanup and maintenance 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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