VBScript BrowseForFolder Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The BrowseForFolder method in VBScript is part of the Shell.Application object. It displays a dialog box that allows users to select a folder. This method is commonly used in scripts requiring user input for folder selection. It provides a familiar interface consistent with Windows Explorer.

BrowseForFolder offers customization options for the dialog title and behavior. It returns a Folder object representing the selected directory. This tutorial covers BrowseForFolder with practical examples to demonstrate its usage.

BrowseForFolder Method Overview

The BrowseForFolder method takes several parameters: window handle, title, options, and root folder. It displays a modal dialog for folder selection. The method returns a Folder object or nothing if canceled.

Key features include customizable dialog text and root folder specification. It can show files or restrict to folders only. Understanding this method helps create interactive scripts requiring folder input. The dialog appearance matches the Windows version it runs on.

Basic Folder Selection

This example demonstrates the simplest use of BrowseForFolder to select a folder. It shows the default dialog with minimal parameters. The script displays the selected folder path or a message if canceled.

basic_browse.vbs

Set shell = CreateObject(“Shell.Application”) Set folder = shell.BrowseForFolder(0, “Select a folder”, 0)

If Not folder Is Nothing Then WScript.Echo “Selected folder: " & folder.Self.Path Else WScript.Echo “No folder selected” End If

Set folder = Nothing Set shell = Nothing

The script creates a Shell.Application object and calls BrowseForFolder. The first parameter (0) specifies no parent window. The second parameter sets the dialog title. The third parameter (0) uses default options.

Custom Dialog Title and Options

This example shows customizing the dialog title and behavior options. The title provides user instructions. Options control dialog behavior like showing files or edit box. Different combinations serve various use cases.

custom_browse.vbs

Set shell = CreateObject(“Shell.Application”) ’ 1 = Show both files and folders ’ 512 = Show an edit box for path entry options = 1 + 512 Set folder = shell.BrowseForFolder(0, “Please select a destination folder:”, options)

If Not folder Is Nothing Then WScript.Echo “You selected: " & folder.Self.Path Else WScript.Echo “Operation canceled” End If

Set folder = Nothing Set shell = Nothing

The script combines options 1 (show files) and 512 (edit box) for flexible selection. The custom title guides the user. The options parameter accepts bitwise combinations of available flags. This creates a more versatile folder picker.

Setting Root Folder

This example demonstrates restricting the starting folder for the dialog. The root folder parameter limits where browsing begins. It helps guide users to appropriate locations. The script uses a known folder ID for Documents.

root_folder.vbs

Set shell = CreateObject(“Shell.Application”) ’ &H5 = CSIDL_PERSONAL (My Documents) rootFolder = &H5 Set folder = shell.BrowseForFolder(0, “Select a folder in Documents:”, 0, rootFolder)

If Not folder Is Nothing Then WScript.Echo “Selected: " & folder.Self.Path Else WScript.Echo “No selection made” End If

Set folder = Nothing Set shell = Nothing

The script starts browsing from the Documents folder using CSIDL_PERSONAL (0x5). This focuses user selection within a specific directory tree. Known folder IDs provide consistent starting points across systems. The dialog opens directly at the specified location.

Creating New Folders

This example enables folder creation within the dialog. The option combination allows users to make new folders during selection. This is useful for scripts that need to create output directories. The dialog handles the creation UI.

new_folder.vbs

Set shell = CreateObject(“Shell.Application”) ’ 8 = BIF_NEWDIALOGSTYLE (enables New Folder button) ’ 64 = BIF_EDITBOX options = 8 + 64 Set folder = shell.BrowseForFolder(0, “Select or create output folder:”, options)

If Not folder Is Nothing Then WScript.Echo “Output will go to: " & folder.Self.Path Else WScript.Echo “No folder specified” End If

Set folder = Nothing Set shell = Nothing

The script combines options 8 (new folder button) and 64 (edit box). Users can create folders or type paths directly. The dialog maintains standard Windows folder creation behavior. This provides maximum flexibility for output location selection.

Advanced Options Combination

This example shows a complex combination of dialog options. It demonstrates multiple features working together. The script creates a versatile folder picker with several advanced features enabled. This serves specialized use cases.

advanced_browse.vbs

Set shell = CreateObject(“Shell.Application”) ’ 1 = Show files ’ 4 = Show text labels ’ 8 = New folder button ’ 16 = Show shared folders differently ’ 64 = Edit box options = 1 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 64 Set folder = shell.BrowseForFolder(0, “Advanced folder selection:”, options, &H5)

If Not folder Is Nothing Then WScript.Echo “Final selection: " & folder.Self.Path Else WScript.Echo “Selection canceled” End If

Set folder = Nothing Set shell = Nothing

The script combines five options for maximum dialog functionality. It starts in Documents folder and shows files with labels. Shared folders appear distinct, and users can create folders. The edit box allows direct path entry. This creates a comprehensive selection interface.

Source

Shell.BrowseForFolder Documentation

In this article, we have explored the BrowseForFolder method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From basic folder selection to advanced dialog customization, these examples demonstrate flexible user interaction. With this knowledge, you can enhance your scripts with professional folder selection dialogs.

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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