VBScript Windows Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The Windows Method in VBScript refers to the WScript object's methods and properties. This object provides access to the Windows Script Host environment. It allows interaction with the Windows operating system through scripts. Common uses include displaying messages, running programs, and accessing script arguments.

WScript is automatically available in VBScript files run with Windows Script Host. It serves as the main interface between scripts and the Windows environment. This tutorial covers essential WScript methods with practical examples to demonstrate their usage.

Windows Method Overview

The WScript object provides several key methods for script execution. These include Echo for output, Sleep for pausing, and CreateObject for COM object creation. Properties like Arguments access script parameters.

WScript methods enable interaction with the Windows environment. They handle script execution, timing, and object creation. Understanding these methods is essential for effective Windows scripting. The examples below demonstrate common use cases.

Displaying Messages with Echo

The Echo method displays text in a message box or command line. This example shows basic message output. It's the simplest way to provide script feedback. Echo accepts multiple arguments separated by commas.

basic_echo.vbs

WScript.Echo "Hello, Windows Script Host!"
WScript.Echo "Current time is:", Time
WScript.Echo "Script name:", WScript.ScriptName

The script displays three messages using Echo. The first shows a simple string. The second combines a string with the Time function. The third uses the ScriptName property of WScript.

Pausing Script Execution

The Sleep method pauses script execution for a specified time. This example demonstrates timed delays. Sleep is useful for pacing operations or creating timeouts. The duration is specified in milliseconds.

script_sleep.vbs

WScript.Echo "Starting countdown..."
WScript.Sleep 1000 ' 1 second
WScript.Echo "3"
WScript.Sleep 1000
WScript.Echo "2"
WScript.Sleep 1000
WScript.Echo "1"
WScript.Echo "Liftoff!"

The script creates a simple countdown with one-second pauses. Each Sleep call stops execution for 1000 milliseconds. This shows how to control script timing for user feedback or process pacing.

Accessing Script Arguments

The Arguments collection provides access to command-line parameters. This example shows how to process script arguments. It demonstrates counting and displaying passed parameters. Arguments are accessed by index.

script_arguments.vbs

Set args = WScript.Arguments
WScript.Echo "Number of arguments:", args.Count

For i = 0 To args.Count - 1
    WScript.Echo "Argument", i + 1, ":", args(i)
Next

The script first displays the total argument count. Then it loops through all arguments using a For loop. Each argument's position and value are displayed. This is useful for parameter-driven scripts.

Creating COM Objects

The CreateObject method instantiates COM objects for automation. This example creates a FileSystemObject. COM objects extend script capabilities beyond basic functions. Many Windows components are accessible via COM.

create_object.vbs

Set fso = WScript.CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set file = fso.CreateTextFile("test.txt", True)
file.WriteLine "This is a test file."
file.Close

WScript.Echo "File created successfully."

The script creates a FileSystemObject then uses it to make a text file. The CreateObject method takes the COM class name as parameter. This demonstrates integrating with Windows components through scripting.

Running External Programs

The Run method executes external programs from a script. This example launches Notepad. Run can start any executable with optional parameters. It returns the process exit code.

run_program.vbs

returnCode = WScript.Run("notepad.exe", 1, True)

If returnCode = 0 Then
    WScript.Echo "Notepad closed normally."
Else
    WScript.Echo "Notepad closed with error:", returnCode
End If

The script runs Notepad and waits for it to close. The second parameter (1) makes the window visible. The third parameter (True) makes the script wait. The exit code is captured and evaluated after Notepad closes.

Source

WScript Object Documentation

In this article, we have explored the Windows Method in VBScript through the WScript object. From simple message display to program execution, these examples demonstrate essential scripting techniques. With this knowledge, you can create more powerful and interactive Windows 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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