VBScript DriveExists Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The DriveExists method in VBScript is part of the FileSystemObject. It checks whether a specified drive exists on the system. This method returns True if the drive exists and False otherwise. It's commonly used before performing drive operations to avoid errors.

DriveExists accepts drive letters or UNC paths as input. It helps create robust scripts that handle various system configurations. This tutorial covers DriveExists with practical examples to demonstrate its usage.

DriveExists Method Overview

The DriveExists method takes one parameter: a drive specification. It returns a Boolean value indicating drive existence. The method is available through the FileSystemObject in VBScript scripting.

Key features include support for local and network drives. It works with both lettered drives (C:) and UNC paths (\\server\share). DriveExists doesn't verify drive readiness or accessibility. Understanding this method helps create reliable drive handling scripts.

Checking Local Drive Existence

This example demonstrates checking if a local drive exists. It shows basic usage of DriveExists with a drive letter. The script checks drive C: and displays the result.

check_local_drive.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
If fso.DriveExists("C:") Then
    WScript.Echo "Drive C: exists"
Else
    WScript.Echo "Drive C: does not exist"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script creates a FileSystemObject and calls DriveExists for drive C:. It displays whether the drive exists. This basic check is useful before performing file operations on a drive.

Checking Network Drive Existence

This example shows how to check for a network drive using a UNC path. It demonstrates DriveExists with network shares. The script verifies if a specific network path is available.

check_network_drive.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
networkPath = "\\server\share"

If fso.DriveExists(networkPath) Then
    WScript.Echo "Network drive exists: " & networkPath
Else
    WScript.Echo "Network drive not found: " & networkPath
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script checks if the network path "\\server\share" exists. Note that this only verifies path availability, not authentication. Network drives must be properly mapped or accessible for this check to succeed.

Checking Multiple Drives

This example demonstrates checking multiple drives in sequence. It shows how to use DriveExists in a loop. The script checks drives A: through Z: and reports existing ones.

check_multiple_drives.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
WScript.Echo "Existing drives on this system:"

For i = 65 To 90 ' ASCII codes for A-Z
    driveLetter = Chr(i) & ":"
    If fso.DriveExists(driveLetter) Then
        WScript.Echo " - " & driveLetter
    End If
Next

Set fso = Nothing

The script iterates through all possible drive letters. For each existing drive, it displays the drive letter. This approach is useful for inventorying available drives on a system.

Validating Drive Before Operation

This example shows practical usage of DriveExists before performing file operations. It demonstrates defensive programming by checking drive existence first. The script attempts to create a file only if the drive exists.

validate_drive_before_operation.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
targetDrive = "D:"
filePath = targetDrive & "\testfile.txt"

If fso.DriveExists(targetDrive) Then
    Set file = fso.CreateTextFile(filePath)
    file.WriteLine "Test content"
    file.Close
    WScript.Echo "File created successfully"
Else
    WScript.Echo "Drive " & targetDrive & " not available"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script checks if drive D: exists before attempting to create a file. This prevents errors when working with potentially unavailable drives. Such checks make scripts more robust in varied environments.

Checking Drive with Different Formats

This example explores how DriveExists handles different drive specification formats. It tests various ways to specify the same drive. The results show the method's flexibility with input formats.

drive_format_test.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")

WScript.Echo "Checking drive C: with different formats:"
WScript.Echo "C:    -> " & fso.DriveExists("C:")
WScript.Echo "C:\   -> " & fso.DriveExists("C:\")
WScript.Echo "C     -> " & fso.DriveExists("C")
WScript.Echo "c:    -> " & fso.DriveExists("c:")

Set fso = Nothing

The script tests four different ways to specify drive C:. DriveExists handles all these formats consistently. Note that the method is case-insensitive for drive letters. This flexibility makes the method easier to use in scripts.

Source

FileSystemObject Documentation

In this article, we have explored the DriveExists method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From simple checks to defensive programming patterns, these examples demonstrate reliable drive verification. With this knowledge, you can enhance your scripts with robust drive handling.

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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