How to use GetAttr function in VBA?

In VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), the GetAttr function is used to return an integer that represents the attributes of a file, directory, or folder. The syntax of the GetAttr function is as follows:

GetAttr(pathname)
Where pathname is a string expression that specifies a file name. The pathname may include the directory or folder, and the drive. The GetAttr function returns an integer representing the sum of attributes of the specified file. These attributes can be one or more of the following: vbNormal (0): Normal (no attributes are set). vbReadOnly (1): Read-only. vbHidden (2): Hidden. vbSystem (4): System file. vbDirectory (16): Directory or folder. vbArchive (32): File has changed since last backup. vbAlias (64): Specified file name is an alias. vbCompressed (128): Compression is enabled for the file. Here is an example of how you might use the GetAttr function in VBA:

Sub CheckFileAttributes()
    Dim strFilePath As String
    Dim fileAttributes As Integer
    
    ' Specify the path to the file
    strFilePath = "C:examplemyfile.txt"
    
    ' Get the file attributes
    fileAttributes = GetAttr(strFilePath)
    
    ' Check for read-only attribute
    If (fileAttributes And vbReadOnly) = vbReadOnly Then
        MsgBox "The file is read-only."
    End If
    
    ' Check for hidden attribute
    If (fileAttributes And vbHidden) = vbHidden Then
        MsgBox "The file is hidden."
    End If
    
    ' Check for system file attribute
    If (fileAttributes And vbSystem) = vbSystem Then
        MsgBox "The file is a system file."
    End If
    
    ' Check for directory attribute
    If (fileAttributes And vbDirectory) = vbDirectory Then
        MsgBox "The path is a directory."
    End If
    
    ' Check for archive attribute
    If (fileAttributes And vbArchive) = vbArchive Then
        MsgBox "The file has changed since the last backup."
    End If
End Sub
In this example, we define the file path and pass it to the GetAttr function. We then use bitwise operations to check each attribute individually. The And operator is used to test whether a specific attribute is set. Keep in mind that if the specified file or directory does not exist or the path is invalid, the GetAttr function will raise a runtime error. You may want to incorporate error handling in your code to manage such scenarios gracefully.

Unlock Your Potential

Excel

Basic - Advanced

Access

Access Basic - Advanced

Power BI

Power BI Basic - Advanced

Help us grow the project