WD97: WordBasic.Files$() Command Adds Quotation Marks to Result (167387)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

This article was previously published under Q167387

SYMPTOMS

When you use the Visual Basic for Applications WordBasic object in combination with the WordBasic Files$() command and a path that includes spaces, the return value will contain quotation marks. If you attempt to use this return value with another command, you will receive the following error message:
Run-time error '76': "Path not found."

WORKAROUND

Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without warranty either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This article assumes that you are familiar with the programming language being demonstrated and the tools used to create and debug procedures. Microsoft support professionals can help explain the functionality of a particular procedure, but they will not modify these examples to provide added functionality or construct procedures to meet your specific needs. If you have limited programming experience, you may want to contact a Microsoft Certified Partner or the Microsoft fee-based consulting line at (800) 936-5200. For more information about Microsoft Certified Partners, please visit the following Microsoft Web site: For more information about the support options that are available and about how to contact Microsoft, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Use one of the following methods to work around this problem:

Method 1: Remove the extra quotation marks

The following Visual Basic for Applications subroutine, "GetWordBasicPath," retrieves the current path using the WordBasic File$() command. It then calls the function, "RemoveQuotes," that checks to see if the path begins with a quotation mark. If it does, the function strips the beginning and ending quotation marks from the path and returns the value to the calling subroutine. If the path does not contain quotation marks, the original value is returned.
   Sub GetWordBasicPath()
      Dim sPath As String
      sPath = RemoveQuotes(WordBasic.Files$("."))
      MsgBox sPath
   End Sub

   Function RemoveQuotes(sPath As String)
   ' ***********************************************
   ' This function strips extra quotation marks from
   ' the return value when using the WordBasic
   ' Files$() command.
   ' ***********************************************
      ' If the value starts with a quotation mark...
      If Left$(sPath, Length:=1) = Chr$(34) Then
         ' ...remove opening and closing quotation marks.
         RemoveQuotes = Mid$(sPath, Start:=2, Length:=Len(sPath) - 2)
      Else
         ' ...otherwise, return the value as is.
         RemoveQuotes = sPath
      End If
   End Function
				

Method 2. Use Visual Basic for Applications equivalent commands

In Visual Basic for Applications, use the CurDir and/or the Dir functions instead of the WordBasic object. When you use either of these functions, the value returned does not contain quotation marks. The following example code does not enclose the current path in quotation marks when it stores it in the variable, MyPath:
   Dim MyPath As String
   MyPath = CurDir
				
For more information about the Dir Function, from the Visual Basic Editor, click the Office Assistant, type Dir Function, click Search, and then click to view "Dir Function."

For more information about the CurDir Function, from the Visual Basic Editor, click the Office Assistant, type CurDir Function, click Search, and then click to view "CurDir Function."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If the Assistant is not able to answer your query, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

176476 OFF: Office Assistant Not Answering Visual Basic Questions

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

173707 OFF97: How to Run Sample Code from Knowledge Base Articles

REFERENCES

For more information about getting help with Visual Basic for Applications, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

163435 VBA: Programming Resources for Visual Basic for Applications


Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/17/2005
Keywords:kbdtacode kbmacro kbProgramming KB167387