Files and Folders in MS Access – A Large Function Toolbox (No References)

Read and write files, create, copy, move and check folders – again and again. This module bundles around 70 tasks into clearly named, consistent functions (File* / Folder* / Path*): pure late binding, 32/64-bit, silent error behavior and UTF-8. Just import one module – done.

If you work with VBA and Access, you know the drill: read and write files, create folders, copy, move, check whether something exists or is writable – over and over. This module bundles all these tasks into clearly named, consistent functions that combine elegantly.

What makes them special?

A consistent naming and return scheme (File* / Folder* / Path*), pure late binding (no references required, 32/64-bit), silent error behavior (a defined error value instead of dialogs) and UTF-8 capable reading and writing. Every function is commented and validates its inputs.

Group A – Path decomposition (pure string, no disk access)

Group B – File operations (disk access)

Group C – Folder operations (disk access)

Group D – File AND folder combined

Group E – System integration

Group F – Drives, special folders & dialogs

Configuration & central message

Enumerations

eSystemFolder – known system folders for SystemFolder(): user profile (sfProfile, sfDesktop, sfDocuments, sfDownloads, sfPictures, sfMusic, sfVideos, sfFavorites, sfRecent, sfSendTo), application data (sfAppData, sfLocalAppData, sfProgramData), start menu/shared (sfStartMenu, sfPrograms, sfStartup, sfCommonStartMenu, sfCommonDesktop, sfPublic), system (sfWindows, sfSystem, sfProgramFiles, sfProgramFilesX86, sfFonts, sfTemp, sfRecycleBin) and sfApp (folder of the running Access DB).

eLogLevel – severity for LogWrite(): logINFO, logWARN, logFAIL, logSUCCESS, logDONE. Text format 2026-07-15 14:30:00 [INFO ] message (level padded to 7 characters), CSV 2026-07-15 14:30:00;INFO;message.

Deployment & integration

Just import the module modHelper_FilesFolder – done. No references, no setup. In exactly two places the module uses a Win32 API (via conditional compilation #If VBA7, 32/64-bit safe, no reference): SHFileOperation for the recycle bin (FileTrash/FolderTrash) and GetSaveFileName for the Save-As dialog (FileSaveDialog). The central ErrBox is included.

Quick test: RunTests

The module modHelper_FilesFolder_TESTING is purely a development aid. RunTests asks for a base path via InputBox, creates a test structure below it and calls every function section by section. After each step the result appears as “label → result” in the Immediate Window; expected negative results are marked “expected:”. At the end it cleans up after a confirmation. Not needed for operational use.

The test form frmFilesFolder_TESTING

Besides RunTests there is the interactive test form. It lists all functions in a combo box, automatically creates a sandbox test folder under %TEMP% on opening (with example files) and deletes it on closing. For each function it shows the full description (purpose, parameters, return, signature) at the top and runs a safe demo below. Via the “Run” field you can execute your own call; for data-changing functions a safety prompt appears first. “Show VBE” jumps straight to the source code.

Conclusion

With these functions your file and folder handling in Access becomes faster, more consistent and more robust – less boilerplate, fewer sources of error, better readability. The example database contains the module and form, ready to import.

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