WD: Macro Function to Test for Valid Directory Path (87422)

WORKAROUND

Create macro code to test whether a directory path is valid.

Visual Basic for Applications

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   Sub ChangeDir()
      cdDir = "<Replace with a valid directory path>"
      If Dir(cdDir, vbDirectory) <> "" then
         ChDir cdDir
      Else
         MsgBox "Specified directory is invalid!", vbOKOnly + vbCritical
      End If
   End Sub
				

WordBasic

WARNING: ANY USE BY YOU OF THE CODE PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. Microsoft provides this macro code 'as is' without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose.

Word 6.x, 7.x:

   Sub MAIN
      If CountDirectories("<Replace with a valid directory path>") \ 
      > - 1 Then
         MsgBox "Directory is valid"
      Else
         MsgBox "Directory is not valid"
      End If
   End Sub
				

NOTE: The Word 6.x for Windows CountDirectories() function returns -1 if the directory path is not valid.

Word 2.0:

   Sub MAIN
      On Error Goto errorhandle
      ChDir "<Replace with a valid directory path>"
   errorhandle: ' NOTE: This line must be left aligned.
      If err = 76 Then
         MsgBox "Directory is not valid"
      Else
         MsgBox "Directory is valid"
      End If
   End Sub
				

The On Error statement is used to trap the WordBasic error. If the error number is 76, then a message box indicates that the path is not valid.

NOTE: Macintosh users, the above macro examples contain Windows path information. Be sure to use a valid Macintosh path. For example: