How do I create a directory and file if it doesn't exist?

I am writing a program that will save data to a sequential file. Everything works just fine if the user has the directory and the file in that directory on their computer already, but how do I create the directory and file if it doesn't exist? I want to check on the form load event to see if there is one there, and if not, create the folder, and file(blank). If it does exist, then I want to do nothing. I would like to do everything from the same form, no modules, and no api calls. Any help? I can't seem to find this. It is probably some real simple commands....

if dir(c:\file\file.txt) = "" then 'Looks for file
a = shell("mkdir file")

Open "c:\file\file.txt" For Output As #12
Print #12, " "
close #12
end if


what it does is looks for the file if its not there creates the dir then makes a blank file.



Hope it helps
Brooke Hostmeyer

Code:

---

MkDir path

---

You might want to look into using the Microsoft Scripting Runtime to access the FileSystemObject. It really provides
a lot of easy to use methods for this sort of thing.

You can add a reference to this by first going to the Project Menu then References menu and adding a reference to Microsoft Scripting Runtime.

Here's an example of doing something like this...
Oops... I had some variables mistyped... :(
this should work better. :)

Hope it helps.

Code:

---

Private Sub CheckFolderAndFile()
    Dim fso As FileSystemObject
    Dim strFileName As String
    Dim blnFolder As Boolean
    Dim blnFile As Boolean
    Dim strFolder As String
    Dim strFile As String
   
    strFolder = "C:\111Temp\"
    strFile = "Junk.txt"
   
    'create a file scripting object
    Set fso = New FileSystemObject
   
    'Check if Folder exists
    'If folder doesn't exist then we know that the file
    'doesn't exist.
    blnFolder = fso.FolderExists(strFolder)
    If blnFolder = False Then
        'Create Folder
        fso.CreateFolder (strFolder)
        'Create Text File
        fso.CreateTextFile (strFolder & strFile)
    Else
        'Folder exists now check for file
        blnFile = fso.FileExists(strFolder & strFile)
        If blnFile = False Then
            'Create Text File
            fso.CreateTextFile (strFolder & strFile)
        End If
    End If
End Sub

---

[Edited by jcouture100 on 05-05-2000 at 03:38 PM]

jcourure100, no good. It didn't recognize FileSystemObject. Am I doing something wrong? I cut and pasted the code you gave (and added the correct folder and file names).


BHostmeyer,
I am getting some errors with yours too. I get the runtime error when it processes

a = shell("mkdir file")

Should I have changed anything in there, or is this what it was supposed to be?

Thanks for your help, I do appreciate it, even if I can't make it work. lol

I think you haven't put the reference to the dll yet. Instead, may be you want to try the createobject("FileSystemObject.Scripting")...I think.

Wow, jcouture100, you really like the MS Scripting Runtime
library, I've seen you suggest it on a few posts now. Sorry
to tell you, but I don't see any reason to include a 149KB
DLL that only wraps some of the functionality
already built into VB's file system functions and the core
system libraries (kernel32.dll to be exact). It's good for
beginners learning how to use the file system, but you
should move on as soon as you feel comfortable. I mean it
doesn't allow Binary file processing or Random Access!
Sorry to say it, but it's time to move on.

Just my 2¢

You're right about that, Dan. To be honest with you, I personally don't use the FSO and pretty much stick with the route you suggested. I'm rather addicted to API calls and try to use them whenever possible.

But considering that HellsWraith is a beginner I thought it would be nice to not totally overwhelm him, but still give him something new to learn. Using the FSO has got to be better than Shelling out and running the MKDIR Command.

HellsWraith, lychew is correct. It sounds like the reference to the FileSystemObject contained in the scrrun.dll. To set this reference, you need to do the following:

Click on the PROJECT menu, then Click on the REFERENCES submenu. This will open up a window that lets you pick the various DLLs that you want referenced in your project. Scroll down until you find "Microsoft Scripting Runtime" and make sure the check box is checked. Click OK. Now the code I gave you earlier should work.

If you're interested in the calls mentioned by Dan (SonGouki) I'll be glad to send them to you. They are actually very easy to implement and use.