VBScript DeleteFolder Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The DeleteFolder method in VBScript is part of the FileSystemObject. It permanently removes a specified folder and all its contents from the filesystem. This method is powerful and should be used with caution. It doesn't move files to the Recycle Bin but deletes them immediately.

DeleteFolder can handle empty folders and those containing files. It supports recursive deletion of all subfolders and files. This tutorial covers DeleteFolder with practical examples to demonstrate its usage and potential pitfalls.

DeleteFolder Method Overview

The DeleteFolder method takes one required parameter: the folder path to delete. An optional second parameter controls force deletion of read-only files. The method is available through the FileSystemObject in VBScript scripting.

Key features include recursive folder deletion and read-only file handling. It throws errors if the path doesn't exist or is inaccessible. Understanding this method helps create robust folder management scripts. Always verify paths before deletion to prevent data loss.

Basic Folder Deletion

This example demonstrates the simplest use of DeleteFolder to remove an empty folder. It shows basic error handling to catch common issues. The script attempts to delete a folder at a specified path.

basic_delete.vbs

On Error Resume Next

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
fso.DeleteFolder "C:\Temp\OldData"

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

Set fso = Nothing

The script creates a FileSystemObject and calls DeleteFolder. Error handling catches issues like missing folders or permission problems. The folder "C:\Temp\OldData" is permanently deleted if it exists and is accessible.

Force Deleting Read-Only Folders

This example shows how to force deletion of folders containing read-only files. The second parameter of DeleteFolder controls this behavior. When set to True, it overrides read-only attributes.

force_delete.vbs

On Error Resume Next

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
fso.DeleteFolder "C:\Temp\ProtectedData", True

If Err.Number <> 0 Then
    WScript.Echo "Error deleting folder: " & Err.Description
Else
    WScript.Echo "Folder and contents deleted (forced)"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script attempts to delete "C:\Temp\ProtectedData" with force enabled. This deletes the folder even if it contains read-only files. Without force, such folders would cause errors. Use this option carefully to avoid unintended data loss.

Deleting Nested Folder Structures

DeleteFolder automatically handles nested folder structures. This example shows deletion of a folder containing subfolders and files. The method recursively removes all contents before deleting the parent folder.

nested_delete.vbs

On Error Resume Next

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
fso.DeleteFolder "C:\Projects\OldWebsite"

If Err.Number <> 0 Then
    WScript.Echo "Error deleting folder structure: " & Err.Description
Else
    WScript.Echo "Folder structure deleted recursively"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script deletes "C:\Projects\OldWebsite" and all its contents. This includes any subfolders and files within them. No additional code is needed for recursive deletion as DeleteFolder handles this automatically.

Checking Folder Existence Before Deletion

This example demonstrates good practice by checking if a folder exists before attempting deletion. The FolderExists method prevents errors when working with potentially missing folders. It makes scripts more robust.

safe_delete.vbs

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

If fso.FolderExists(folderPath) Then
    fso.DeleteFolder folderPath
    WScript.Echo "Folder deleted successfully"
Else
    WScript.Echo "Folder does not exist"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script first verifies "C:\Temp\ToDelete" exists using FolderExists. Only if found does it proceed with deletion. This approach prevents errors from attempting to delete non-existent folders. It's a recommended pattern for folder operations.

Handling Deletion Errors Gracefully

This advanced example shows comprehensive error handling for folder deletion. It catches specific error numbers and provides user-friendly messages. The script attempts to diagnose why deletion failed.

error_handling.vbs

On Error Resume Next

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
fso.DeleteFolder "C:\System\ImportantFolder"

Select Case Err.Number
    Case 0
        WScript.Echo "Folder deleted successfully"
    Case 70  ' Permission denied
        WScript.Echo "Error: Permission denied. Folder may be in use."
    Case 76  ' Path not found
        WScript.Echo "Error: Folder path not found"
    Case Else
        WScript.Echo "Error " & Err.Number & ": " & Err.Description
End Select

Set fso = Nothing

The script attempts to delete "C:\System\ImportantFolder" and handles various error scenarios. Specific error numbers help identify the exact issue. This approach provides better user feedback than generic error messages. It's particularly useful in scripts run by non-technical users.

Source

FileSystemObject Documentation

In this article, we have explored the DeleteFolder method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From basic deletion to advanced error handling, these examples demonstrate robust folder management. With this knowledge, you can enhance your scripts with reliable folder deletion capabilities while avoiding common pitfalls.

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.

List all VBScript tutorials.

Ebooks