WD: Macro Function to Test for Valid Directory Path

ID: Q87422

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 2.0, 2.0a, 2.0a-CD, 2.0b, 2.0c, 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.1a
Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

If you create a macro that attempts to change to an invalid directory path, you may receive either of the following error messages:

   Run-time error '76': "Path not found"

    -or-

   Wordbasic error 76: "Path not found"

CAUSE

Before you switch to a directory using the Microsoft WordBasic or Visual Basic for Applications ChDir statement, ensure that the directory is valid.

WORKAROUND

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

Visual Basic for Applications

Microsoft provides examples of Visual Basic for Applications procedures 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. The Visual Basic procedures in this article are provided 'as is' and Microsoft does not guarantee that they can be used in all situations. While Microsoft support professionals can help explain the functionality of a particular macro, they will not modify these examples to provide added functionality, nor will they help you construct macros to meet your specific needs. If you have limited programming experience, you may want to consult one of the Microsoft Solution Providers. Solution Providers offer a wide range of fee-based services, including creating custom macros. For more information about Microsoft Solution Providers, call Microsoft Customer Information Service at (800) 426-9400.

   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:

   ChDir "Mac HD:Microsoft Word 6"

REFERENCES

"Using WordBasic," by WexTech Systems and Microsoft, page 162

Additional query words: winword word95 word7 word6 ChDir winword winword2 macword word8 word97

Keywords          : kbmacro kbmacroexample word8 macword98 winword word97 ntword macword word7 word95 
Version           : WINDOWS:2.0,2.0a,2.0a- CD,2.0b,2.0c,6.0,6.0a,6.0c,7.0,7.0a,97; MACINTOSH:6.0,6.0.1,98
Platform          : MACINTOSH Win95 WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: April 9, 1999