Check if a File Exists

By | 2019-09-29

A simple way of determining if a file exists. Simply pass it a full path and filename, and it will tell you if it exists, and whether or not it is a zero-byte file.

Module

Function FileExists(strFile As String) As Integer
'********************************************************************************
'* Name : FileExists
'* Date : Feb-17, 2000
'* Author : David Costelloe
'* Returns : -1 = Does not exists 0 = Exists with zero bytes 1 = Exists > 0 Bytes
'*********************************************************************************
    Dim lSize As Long

    On Error Resume Next
    '* set lSize to -1
    lSize = -1
    'Get the length of the file
    lSize = FileLen(strFile)
    If lSize = 0 Then
        '* File is zero bytes and exists
        FileExists = 0
    ElseIf lSize > 0 Then
        '* File Exists
        FileExists = 1
    Else
        '* Does not exist
        FileExists = -1
    End If
End Function

Usage

Private Sub Command1_Click()
    Dim IntCheckFile As Integer
    
    IntCheckFile = FileExists("C:\Config.sys")
    
    Select Case IntCheckFile
     Case -1
         MsgBox "Sorry not there"
     Case 0
         MsgBox "Oh yeah exits but only zero bytes"
     Case 1
         MsgBox "Cool we do exist and greater than zero bytes!"
    End Select
End Sub

Author: dwirch

Derek Wirch is a seasoned IT professional with an impressive career dating back to 1986. He brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience that is invaluable to those embarking on their journey in the tech industry.

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