VBScript GetDriveName Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The GetDriveName method in VBScript is part of the FileSystemObject. It extracts the drive name from a specified path string. This method returns only the drive portion of a complete path. It's commonly used in file operations and path analysis.

GetDriveName helps identify the storage device referenced by a path. It works with both local and network drive paths. This tutorial covers GetDriveName with practical examples to demonstrate its usage.

GetDriveName Method Overview

The GetDriveName method takes one parameter: a complete path string. It returns a string containing just the drive portion. The method is available through the FileSystemObject in VBScript scripting.

Key features include handling various path formats and network paths. It doesn't verify if the drive exists. GetDriveName works with both file and directory paths. Understanding this method helps create robust path analysis.

Basic Drive Name Extraction

This example demonstrates the simplest use of GetDriveName to extract a drive letter. It shows how the method isolates the drive portion from a full path. The drive letter is returned with the colon character.

basic_getdrivename.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
driveName = fso.GetDriveName("C:\Windows\System32")
WScript.Echo driveName ' Output: C:

Set fso = Nothing

The script creates a FileSystemObject and calls GetDriveName. The path "C:\Windows\System32" is processed. The result is "C:". Notice only the drive portion is returned with the colon.

Handling Network Drive Paths

GetDriveName correctly processes network share paths. This example shows how the method handles UNC paths. It demonstrates consistent behavior with both local and network paths.

network_drive.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
localDrive = fso.GetDriveName("D:\Projects\Report.docx")
networkDrive = fso.GetDriveName("\\Server\Share\Documents\file.txt")

WScript.Echo localDrive ' Output: D:
WScript.Echo networkDrive ' Output: \\Server\Share

Set fso = Nothing

The script processes both local and network paths. For UNC paths, it returns the full server and share name. This behavior helps identify network resources in scripts that work with multiple storage locations.

Extracting Drive from File Path

This example shows how GetDriveName extracts the drive from a full file path. It demonstrates the method's ability to work with file references. The drive information is isolated regardless of path depth.

file_path_drive.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
filePath = "E:\Backups\2025\April\data.zip"
drive = fso.GetDriveName(filePath)

WScript.Echo drive ' Output: E:

Set fso = Nothing

The script processes a multi-level file path. GetDriveName correctly identifies "E:" as the drive. This works regardless of how deep the file is in the directory structure.

Working with Root Directory Paths

This example demonstrates GetDriveName with root directory paths. It shows the method's behavior when the path is just a drive root. The result is consistent with other path formats.

root_directory.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
drive1 = fso.GetDriveName("F:\")
drive2 = fso.GetDriveName("G:")

WScript.Echo drive1 ' Output: F:
WScript.Echo drive2 ' Output: G:

Set fso = Nothing

Both variations of drive root paths produce the expected results. GetDriveName handles both formats correctly. The trailing backslash doesn't affect the output.

Combining with Other Path Methods

This example shows GetDriveName used with other FileSystemObject methods. It demonstrates practical path analysis by combining multiple operations. The script extracts and verifies drive information.

combined_methods.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
path = "H:\Data\Projects\Current\status.txt"

drive = fso.GetDriveName(path)
Set driveObj = fso.GetDrive(drive)

WScript.Echo "Drive: " & drive
WScript.Echo "Free space: " & driveObj.FreeSpace & " bytes"

Set fso = Nothing

The script first extracts the drive letter, then gets drive object properties. This demonstrates practical use of GetDriveName in system administration scripts. The drive object provides additional information.

Source

FileSystemObject Documentation

In this article, we have explored the GetDriveName method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From simple drive extraction to network path analysis, these examples demonstrate reliable path processing. With this knowledge, you can enhance your file handling 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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