VBScript FileExists Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The FileExists method in VBScript is part of the FileSystemObject. It checks whether a specified file exists at a given path. This method returns a Boolean value indicating the file's existence. It's commonly used before performing file operations to prevent errors.

FileExists helps create robust scripts by verifying file presence before access. It works with absolute and relative paths. This tutorial covers FileExists with practical examples to demonstrate its usage.

FileExists Method Overview

The FileExists method takes one parameter: the file path to check. It returns True if the file exists, False otherwise. The method is available through the FileSystemObject in VBScript scripting.

Key features include case-insensitive checking on Windows systems. It only checks for files, not directories. FileExists requires proper permissions to access the file location. Understanding this method helps create error-resistant file handling scripts.

Basic File Existence Check

This example demonstrates the simplest use of FileExists to verify a file's existence. It shows how to check if a specific file is present. The script outputs a message based on the check result.

basic_fileexists.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
filePath = "C:\temp\test.txt"

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

Set fso = Nothing

The script creates a FileSystemObject and checks for "test.txt". The result determines which message is displayed. This pattern is fundamental for safe file operations. Always check existence before accessing files.

Checking File Before Deletion

This example shows using FileExists before attempting to delete a file. It prevents errors when the file doesn't exist. The script only attempts deletion if the file is present.

delete_check.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
filePath = "C:\temp\oldfile.txt"

If fso.FileExists(filePath) Then
    fso.DeleteFile(filePath)
    WScript.Echo "File deleted successfully"
Else
    WScript.Echo "File not found - nothing to delete"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script checks for "oldfile.txt" before deletion. This prevents runtime errors from attempting to delete non-existent files. It's a best practice for file management scripts. The user gets appropriate feedback in both cases.

Conditional File Creation

This example demonstrates creating a file only if it doesn't already exist. It uses FileExists to avoid overwriting existing files. The script makes decisions based on the file's current status.

conditional_create.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
filePath = "C:\temp\data.log"

If Not fso.FileExists(filePath) Then
    Set file = fso.CreateTextFile(filePath)
    file.WriteLine "Initial log entry"
    file.Close
    WScript.Echo "New file created"
Else
    WScript.Echo "File already exists - not modified"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script checks for "data.log" before creation. If absent, it creates the file with initial content. If present, it leaves the file unchanged. This pattern is useful for initialization scripts.

Processing Files in a Directory

This example shows how to use FileExists when processing files in a directory. It combines file checking with directory operations. The script verifies each file before processing.

directory_processing.vbs

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

For Each file In fso.GetFolder(folderPath).Files
    If fso.FileExists(file.Path) Then
        WScript.Echo "Processing file: " & file.Name
        ' Add file processing logic here
    End If
Next

Set fso = Nothing

The script iterates through files in "C:\reports". It confirms each file's existence before processing. This extra check adds robustness to directory processing scripts. The pattern works with any file operation logic.

Checking Multiple File Paths

This example demonstrates checking multiple potential file locations. It uses FileExists to find which of several paths contains the file. The script tests paths in order until finding the existing file.

multiple_paths.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
paths = Array("C:\config.ini", "D:\config.ini", "C:\temp\config.ini")

For Each path In paths
    If fso.FileExists(path) Then
        WScript.Echo "Found config file at: " & path
        Exit For
    End If
Next

If Not fso.FileExists(path) Then
    WScript.Echo "Config file not found in any location"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script checks three possible locations for "config.ini". It stops at the first valid path found. This approach is useful for configuration file lookup. The script provides feedback whether the file was found or not.

Source

FileSystemObject Documentation

In this article, we have explored the FileExists method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From simple checks to complex file processing, these examples demonstrate reliable file verification. With this knowledge, you can enhance your file handling scripts with robust existence checking.

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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