How to get the windows folder [Resolved]

[Oliver1]

Hi, simple question, I just want to open a file stored in the windows folder, my problem is getting the windows folder location.
I just need something like
Dim path As String = Application.StartupPath
but rather than pointing to the the application startup path I want the windows directory. which I belive can either be c:\windows (on XP) or c:\winnt

Cheers.

[arsmakman]

You need to add a reference to 'Scripting' to use a FileSystemObject to find the Windows Folder. It's done like this:

1. From the Project menu, select Add Reference....
2. In the COM-tab select Microsoft Scripting Runtime, click Select and click OK

Now you can use the FileSystemObject like this:

Dim fso As New Scripting.FileSystemObject
Dim sWinDir As String = fso.GetSpecialFolder(Scripting.SpecialFolderConst.WindowsFolder).Path

There you go. It's harder than it should be. But this works.

You can actually use this to delete the Windows folder, but I wouldn't recommend that.

[sevenhalo]

Will this work?

MessageBox.Show(System.Environment.SystemDirectory)

You can also use:

system.Environment.GetFolderPath

To get pretty much any "common" directory that you might be after.

[arsmakman]

Will this work?

MessageBox.Show(System.Environment.SystemDirectory)

That shows the System32 folder's location.

[sevenhalo]

That shows the System32 folder's location.

With basic logic, you can determine the parent directory.

[arsmakman]

Okay, you win. But I still like mine better.

Anyway, for the people of little IO-experience:

IO.Directory.GetParent(System.Environment.SystemDirectory).ToString()

[jmcilhinney]

I'd say stick to .NET types and members if they're available before referencing COM libraries.

[Oliver1]

Thanks, have gone for

Dim winfolder As String = System.Environment.SystemDirectory
        Dim endpoint As Integer
 
        endpoint = InStr(winfolder, "System", CompareMethod.Text) - 1
 
 
        winfolder = Mid(winfolder, 1, endpoint)
        MsgBox(winfolder)

Just waiting for someone to Incredible Hulk on me now for using old VB functions. I can never remember the correct .net functions.

[arsmakman]

I don't want to Incredible Hulk you, but I feel I have to, because I even gave the correct .net function away (see my post above)!
And I didn't remember it, I found it. Because it's in a very logical place. It's really not that hard.

[Oliver1]

Ah, but jmcilhinney who is never wrong (well I think I read one post where he was, but maybe I just dreamt it) said not to use a com libary if I could avoid it.

[arsmakman]

Okay, you win. But I still like mine better.

Anyway, for the people of little IO-experience:

IO.Directory.GetParent(System.Environment.SystemDirectory).ToString()

I ment this ^ post.

[Oliver1]

Argh, didn't realise your latest post didn't involve the com libary.
Sorry have changed my code now, and please don't get all gamma radition like on me.

[arsmakman]

please don't get all gamma radition like on me.

I'll try...