VBScript GetFolder Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The GetFolder method in VBScript is part of the FileSystemObject. It returns a Folder object corresponding to the specified path. This method allows access to folder properties and contents. It's essential for directory management and file system operations in VBScript.

GetFolder requires the folder path to exist; otherwise it throws an error. It provides access to folder attributes, files, and subfolders. This tutorial covers GetFolder with practical examples to demonstrate its usage in various scenarios.

GetFolder Method Overview

The GetFolder method takes one parameter: the path to an existing folder. It returns a Folder object with properties and methods for folder manipulation. The method is available through the FileSystemObject in VBScript.

Key features include access to folder attributes, size, and contents. The Folder object provides methods for copying, moving, and deleting folders. GetFolder is fundamental for any folder-related operations in VBScript automation scripts.

Basic Folder Information

This example demonstrates basic usage of GetFolder to retrieve folder properties. It shows how to access common folder attributes like name, path, and creation date. The script displays information about a specified folder.

basic_getfolder.vbs

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

WScript.Echo "Folder Name: " & folder.Name
WScript.Echo "Path: " & folder.Path
WScript.Echo "Date Created: " & folder.DateCreated
WScript.Echo "Size: " & folder.Size & " bytes"

Set folder = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing

The script creates a FileSystemObject and calls GetFolder for "C:\Temp". It then displays basic folder properties. Note that Size includes all files and subfolders recursively.

Listing Folder Contents

This example shows how to list all files in a folder using GetFolder. It demonstrates accessing the Files collection of the Folder object. Each file's name and size are displayed.

list_files.vbs

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

WScript.Echo "Files in " & folder.Path & ":"
For Each file In folder.Files
    WScript.Echo file.Name & " - " & file.Size & " bytes"
Next

Set folder = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing

The script retrieves all files in "C:\Temp" and iterates through the Files collection. For each file, it displays the name and size. This pattern is useful for file processing scripts and directory listings.

Working with Subfolders

GetFolder can access subfolders through the SubFolders collection. This example demonstrates enumerating all subfolders of a given folder. Each subfolder's name and creation date are displayed.

list_subfolders.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set folder = fso.GetFolder("C:\Program Files")

WScript.Echo "Subfolders in " & folder.Path & ":"
For Each subfolder In folder.SubFolders
    WScript.Echo subfolder.Name & " - Created: " & subfolder.DateCreated
Next

Set folder = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing

The script lists all subfolders in "C:\Program Files". The SubFolders collection provides access to all immediate child folders. This is useful for recursive directory processing or folder structure analysis.

Checking Folder Existence

This example shows how to safely check if a folder exists before calling GetFolder. It demonstrates error handling to avoid runtime errors when folders don't exist. The FolderExists method is used for verification.

check_folder.vbs

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

If fso.FolderExists(folderPath) Then
    Set folder = fso.GetFolder(folderPath)
    WScript.Echo "Folder found: " & folder.Path
Else
    WScript.Echo "Folder does not exist: " & folderPath
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script first checks if the folder exists using FolderExists. This prevents errors when calling GetFolder on nonexistent paths. This pattern is essential for robust folder handling in scripts.

Copying a Folder

This example demonstrates using GetFolder to perform folder operations. It shows how to copy a folder and its contents to a new location. The Copy method of the Folder object is used for the operation.

copy_folder.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
sourcePath = "C:\Temp\Source"
destPath = "C:\Temp\Destination"

If fso.FolderExists(sourcePath) Then
    Set sourceFolder = fso.GetFolder(sourcePath)
    sourceFolder.Copy destPath
    WScript.Echo "Folder copied successfully"
Else
    WScript.Echo "Source folder not found"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script copies "C:\Temp\Source" to "C:\Temp\Destination". The Copy method handles all contents recursively. Note that the destination folder must not exist for the operation to succeed.

Source

FileSystemObject Documentation

In this article, we have explored the GetFolder method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From basic folder information to complex operations like copying, these examples demonstrate essential folder management techniques. With this knowledge, you can enhance your scripts with powerful directory handling capabilities.

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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