Guy's Scripting Ezine 36 - FSO Copy (Part 2)

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Contents for Guy's Scripting Ezine 36 - FSO Copy (Part 2)

• This week's secret
• Example 1 - Create a text file, then copy it to a new path
• Example 2 - Move File, deleting the old one
• Guy's Challenge - try and solve this 'Out take'
• Summary of FSO

This week's secret

This week's secrets are the FSO 'dot' commands. What I am referring to are the methods, which you employ to manipulate VBScript objects. For example, once you create an object called objFSO by using the command:
Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject"), then you can .Copy, or .Move, and thus manipulate that file object. These .dot commands open up a whole new area of scripting and not just for FSO.  How do you find out which .dot commands are available for which command?  The best answer is by getting a free download of the OnScript editor.

Example 1 Create a text file, then copy it to a new path.

One task that is ripe for scripting is automating file copying, for example, housekeeping log files or daily accounts records.  From a scripting point of view, this weeks example extends our previous lessons with FSO (File Scripting Object) in Ezine 36 and Ezine 12.  From a learning progression point of view, this script builds on Ezine 35, which explains how to create a text file.

Instructions

1. For strFilePath and strDestination I could have used "C:\".  Instead, I deliberately left in a path that exists on my machine because I wanted you to think about these string values and then either adjust the script (best) or create the corresponding folders on your machine.
2. Copy and paste the main script into notepad.  Alternatively, use a script editor like OnScript.
3. Save the file with .vbs extension e.g. CopyFSO.vbs
4. Double click and observe the file that you have just created and copied.
5. If you get errors, check that you have amended strFilePath and strDestination.  If you still get Code 800xxxxx message boxes, check out the error codes

Example 1 - Create a text file, then copy it to a new path

Learning Points

Note 1:  Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
builds our file object.  Once we have created objFSO, then we can put it to work and copy or move files.  Creating the file is covered in Ezine 35.

Note 2:  This is script of two halves, the first half creates the file called newsletter36.txt and adds text.  The second half, (below the line: WSCript.Echo "Written "), copies the file to a new destination.

Note 3:  In addition to the .Copy, spot the .GetFile method which is essential to 'grasp' the file before it can be copied or deleted.

Challenge 1.

It would more spectacular and realistic to copy the file to another drive or at least to another folder.  So my challenge is to amend your strDestination.

Example 2 - Move a file, deleting the old one

Challenge 2.

My idea here is to move the newsletter36.txt file rather than copy it.

Change .Copy to .Move; this is what I mean, alter objFileCopy.Copy (strDestination) to objFileCopy.Move (strDestination).

N.B. You are likely to get an error message, unless you add the .delete command.

Learning Points

Note 1: If the file already exists then the script would generate an error - unless you add the .delete command.

Note 2: The .delete command takes a blank () argument.  The syntax is objFileCopy.Delete() not
objFileCopy.Delete(strDestination)

Note 3: I suspect that there are other ways of moving and overriding the existing file.  However adding 'True' to the command for example, : (strDestination,True) did not work.

Guy's Challenge - try and solve this 'Out take'

This script is likely to generate Windows Script Host error Code: 800A005
Can you spot the sequencing problem and correct the order of instructions and so cure the problem?

Answer:

This statement appears BEFORE the strFilePath is initialized.

Set objGuyFile = objFSO.CreateTextFile(strFilePath, True)
Check Example 1 to see the correct line sequencing.

Summary of File System Object

As a general principle, the .dot commands or methods extend what you can do with a VBScript object.  In this particular instance .Copy, .Move and .Delete enable us to manipulate files.

• See more on FSO - Whole Section Here

Guy Thomas recommends Computer Training Software. 

Their topics and material are ideal for getting you started with VBScript.  The videos are easy to follow and you can control the pace.  Try their free demo material and then see if you want to buy the full package. See more about VB Script Training CD.

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