VBScript GetParentFolderName Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The GetParentFolderName method in VBScript is part of the FileSystemObject. It returns the parent folder of a specified path. This method is useful for navigating directory structures and file paths. It helps in determining the containing folder of files or subdirectories.

GetParentFolderName works with both file and folder paths. It returns an empty string if the path has no parent folder. This tutorial covers GetParentFolderName with practical examples to demonstrate its usage.

GetParentFolderName Method Overview

The GetParentFolderName method takes a single path parameter. It returns a string containing the parent folder's path. The method is available through the FileSystemObject in VBScript scripting.

Key features include automatic path parsing and normalization. It doesn't verify path existence or validity. GetParentFolderName works with both absolute and relative paths. Understanding this method helps create robust file navigation scripts.

Basic Parent Folder Retrieval

This example demonstrates the simplest use of GetParentFolderName. It shows how to get the parent folder of a file path. The method returns the directory containing the specified file.

basic_parent.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
parentFolder = fso.GetParentFolderName("C:\Documents\Report.docx")
WScript.Echo parentFolder ' Output: C:\Documents

Set fso = Nothing

The script creates a FileSystemObject and calls GetParentFolderName. The file path "C:\Documents\Report.docx" is processed. The result is "C:\Documents", the containing folder of the file.

Getting Parent of a Directory

This example shows how GetParentFolderName works with directory paths. It demonstrates retrieving the parent of a folder rather than a file. The method behaves consistently with both file and folder paths.

directory_parent.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
parentFolder = fso.GetParentFolderName("C:\Projects\Website\Images")
WScript.Echo parentFolder ' Output: C:\Projects\Website

Set fso = Nothing

The script processes the folder path "C:\Projects\Website\Images". The method returns "C:\Projects\Website", the immediate parent folder. This demonstrates hierarchical directory navigation.

Handling Root Directory

This example demonstrates GetParentFolderName's behavior with root directories. When processing a drive root, the method returns an empty string. This indicates there is no parent folder at the root level.

root_directory.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
parentFolder = fso.GetParentFolderName("C:\")
WScript.Echo "Parent: '" & parentFolder & "'" ' Output: Parent: ''

Set fso = Nothing

The script attempts to get the parent of "C:\". The empty result shows root directories have no parent. This behavior is important for boundary conditions in path navigation scripts.

Working with Relative Paths

GetParentFolderName also works with relative paths. This example shows how the method processes paths without drive letters. It demonstrates consistent behavior regardless of path format.

relative_path.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
parentFolder = fso.GetParentFolderName("..\Data\Files\config.ini")
WScript.Echo parentFolder ' Output: ..\Data\Files

Set fso = Nothing

The relative path "..\Data\Files\config.ini" is processed. The method returns "..\Data\Files" as the parent folder. This shows GetParentFolderName works with relative path navigation.

Combining with Other Path Methods

This example shows GetParentFolderName used with other FileSystemObject methods. It demonstrates building a complete path navigation solution. The script gets a file's parent folder and checks its existence.

combined_methods.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
filePath = "C:\Users\Public\Documents\Budget.xlsx"
parentFolder = fso.GetParentFolderName(filePath)

If fso.FolderExists(parentFolder) Then
    WScript.Echo "Parent folder exists: " & parentFolder
Else
    WScript.Echo "Parent folder not found"
End If

Set fso = Nothing

The script first gets the parent folder of "Budget.xlsx". It then checks if the folder exists using FolderExists. This demonstrates practical integration of GetParentFolderName with other file operations.

Source

FileSystemObject Documentation

In this article, we have explored the GetParentFolderName method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From simple path navigation to complex directory operations, these examples demonstrate reliable parent folder retrieval. With this knowledge, you can enhance your file handling scripts with robust path navigation.

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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