How to Use FileSearch in VBA Application in 3 Minutes (Excel)

Written by Kasper Langmann

Mastering the use of FileSearch in VBA application, specifically in Excel, is a valuable skill that can greatly enhance your productivity and efficiency. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to use FileSearch in VBA, and it will do so in a manner that is both quick and easy to grasp.

Understanding FileSearch in VBA

The FileSearch function in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is a powerful tool that allows you to search for files within your computer or network. It is particularly useful when you need to locate specific files or folders without knowing their exact location.

Unfortunately, the FileSearch function was deprecated in Excel 2007, meaning it is no longer supported in newer versions of Excel. However, there are alternative methods to achieve the same functionality, which we will discuss later in this guide.

Why Use FileSearch in VBA?

FileSearch in VBA can be incredibly useful in a variety of scenarios. For instance, if you’re working with a large number of files and need to locate specific ones quickly, FileSearch can streamline this process.

Additionally, FileSearch can be used in conjunction with other VBA functions to automate tasks, such as opening and reading files, copying data from one file to another, or even performing calculations on data within files.

How to Use FileSearch in VBA

Using FileSearch in VBA is a straightforward process. The function requires you to specify certain parameters, such as the directory to search in and the type of files to look for. Once these parameters are set, the function will return a collection of files that match your criteria.

Here’s a basic example of how to use FileSearch in VBA:

With Application.FileSearch
    .LookIn = "C:MyDocuments"
    .FileType = msoFileTypeExcelWorkbooks
    If .Execute() > 0 Then
        MsgBox "There were " & .FoundFiles.Count & " file(s) found."
    End If
End With

In this example, the FileSearch function is set to look for Excel workbook files in the “C:MyDocuments” directory. If any files are found, a message box will display the number of files found.

Understanding the Code

The ‘With’ statement is used to execute multiple statements on the same object, in this case, Application.FileSearch. The ‘.LookIn’ property sets the directory to search in, while the ‘.FileType’ property specifies the type of files to look for.

The ‘.Execute()’ method performs the search. If the number of files found is greater than zero, the ‘.FoundFiles.Count’ property is used to display the number of files found in a message box.

Alternatives to FileSearch in VBA

As mentioned earlier, the FileSearch function was deprecated in Excel 2007. However, there are alternative methods to achieve the same functionality. One such method is using the Dir function in VBA.

The Dir function returns the name of a file or directory that matches a specified pattern. You can use it in a loop to search for files in a directory. Here’s an example:

Dim strFile As String
strFile = Dir("C:MyDocuments*.xls")
While strFile <> ""
    MsgBox strFile
    strFile = Dir
Wend

In this example, the Dir function is used to search for all .xls files in the “C:MyDocuments” directory. The names of the files found are displayed in a message box.

Understanding the Code

The ‘Dim’ statement is used to declare a variable, ‘strFile’, to hold the name of the file found. The Dir function is then used to search for .xls files in the specified directory. The name of the first file found is assigned to the ‘strFile’ variable.

The ‘While’ loop continues to display the names of the files found and search for more files until no more .xls files are found, at which point ‘strFile’ will be an empty string (“”) and the loop will end.

Conclusion

While the FileSearch function in VBA is no longer supported in newer versions of Excel, its functionality can still be achieved through alternative methods such as the Dir function. By understanding how these functions work and how to use them effectively, you can enhance your productivity and efficiency when working with files in VBA.

Remember, practice is key when it comes to mastering these functions. So, don’t hesitate to experiment with different parameters and methods to see what works best for your specific needs.