VBScript FileRun Method

last modified April 9, 2025

The Run method in VBScript is part of the WScript.Shell object. It executes applications, scripts, or documents in the Windows environment. This method provides control over program execution with various parameters. It’s commonly used for automation tasks and system administration.

Run can launch both console and GUI applications with optional window styles. It returns the process exit code when the launched program terminates. This tutorial covers Run with practical examples to demonstrate its usage in different scenarios.

FileRun Method Overview

The Run method takes up to three parameters: the command string, window style, and wait option. It returns an integer representing the exit code of the executed process. The method is available through the WScript.Shell object in VBScript.

Key features include launching any executable file or document with its default handler. It supports different window states (normal, minimized, maximized). Run can wait for the program to complete or run it asynchronously. Understanding this method helps create powerful automation scripts.

Basic Program Execution

This example demonstrates the simplest use of Run to launch a program. It shows how to execute Notepad with default parameters. The script creates a WScript.Shell object and calls the Run method.

basic_run.vbs

Set wsh = CreateObject(“WScript.Shell”) returnCode = wsh.Run(“notepad.exe”, 1, True) WScript.Echo “Notepad closed with exit code: " & returnCode

Set wsh = Nothing

The script launches Notepad in a normal window (style 1) and waits for it to close (True). The exit code is captured in returnCode and displayed. This demonstrates synchronous execution with basic parameters.

Running with Different Window Styles

This example shows how to control the window state of the launched application. The second parameter of Run specifies the window style. Different values produce different window behaviors.

window_styles.vbs

Set wsh = CreateObject(“WScript.Shell”)

’ Normal window (default) wsh.Run “calc.exe”, 1, False

’ Minimized window wsh.Run “calc.exe”, 2, False

’ Maximized window wsh.Run “calc.exe”, 3, False

Set wsh = Nothing

The script launches Calculator three times with different window styles. Style 1 shows a normal window, 2 minimizes it, and 3 maximizes it. All executions are asynchronous (False wait parameter).

Opening Documents with Default Applications

Run can open documents using their associated applications. This example demonstrates launching a text file with the default text editor. The system automatically determines the appropriate program to use.

open_document.vbs

Set wsh = CreateObject(“WScript.Shell”) wsh.Run “C:\temp\notes.txt”, 1, True WScript.Echo “Text file closed”

Set wsh = Nothing

The script opens “notes.txt” with the system’s default text editor. The window appears normally (style 1) and the script waits for the editor to close. This shows document handling without specifying the application.

Running Command Line Programs

This example demonstrates executing command line programs with Run. It shows how to run IPConfig and capture its output. The script uses cmd.exe to execute the command and redirect output to a file.

command_line.vbs

Set wsh = CreateObject(“WScript.Shell”) command = “cmd /c ipconfig /all > C:\temp\network_info.txt” returnCode = wsh.Run(command, 0, True)

If returnCode = 0 Then WScript.Echo “Command executed successfully” Else WScript.Echo “Command failed with code: " & returnCode End If

Set wsh = Nothing

The script runs IPConfig with all parameters (/all) and redirects output to a file. The window is hidden (style 0) and execution waits for completion. The exit code is checked to determine success or failure.

Asynchronous Execution with Parameters

This example shows asynchronous program execution with command line parameters. The script launches a program without waiting for it to complete. Parameters are passed to the target application.

async_execution.vbs

Set wsh = CreateObject(“WScript.Shell”) program = “C:\Program Files\MyApp\app.exe” params = “/silent /log=C:\temp\app.log” wsh.Run Chr(34) & program & Chr(34) & " " & params, 1, False

WScript.Echo “Application started in background” Set wsh = Nothing

The script launches “app.exe” with two parameters (/silent and /log). The program path is enclosed in quotes to handle spaces. Execution is asynchronous (False wait parameter). The script continues immediately after launch.

Source

WScript.Shell Documentation

In this article, we have explored the Run method in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From simple program execution to complex command line operations, these examples demonstrate its versatility. With this knowledge, you can enhance your automation scripts with powerful program execution capabilities.

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.

List all VBScript tutorials.