How to open a folder in Windows Explorer from VBA? - ms-access

Question

I want to click a button on my access form that opens a folder in Windows Explorer.
Is there any way to do this in VBA?

Answer 1

You can use the following code to open a file location from vba.
Dim Foldername As String
Foldername = "\\server\Instructions\"
Shell "C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe """ & Foldername & "", vbNormalFocus
You can use this code for both windows shares and local drives.
VbNormalFocus can be swapper for VbMaximizedFocus if you want a maximized view.

Answer 2

The easiest way is
Application.FollowHyperlink [path]
Which only takes one line!

Answer 3

Thanks to PhilHibbs comment (on VBwhatnow's answer) I was finally able to find a solution that both reuses existing windows and avoids flashing a CMD-window at the user:
Dim path As String
path = CurrentProject.path & "\"
Shell "cmd /C start """" /max """ & path & """", vbHide
where 'path' is the folder you want to open.
(In this example I open the folder where the current workbook is saved.)
Pros:
Avoids opening new explorer instances (only sets focus if window exists).
The cmd-window is never visible thanks to vbHide.
Relatively simple (does not need to reference win32 libraries).
Cons:
Window maximization (or minimization) is mandatory.
Explanation:
At first I tried using only vbHide. This works nicely... unless there is already such a folder opened, in which case the existing folder window becomes hidden and disappears! You now have a ghost window floating around in memory and any subsequent attempt to open the folder after that will reuse the hidden window - seemingly having no effect.
In other words when the 'start'-command finds an existing window the specified vbAppWinStyle gets applied to both the CMD-window and the reused explorer window. (So luckily we can use this to un-hide our ghost-window by calling the same command again with a different vbAppWinStyle argument.)
However by specifying the /max or /min flag when calling 'start' it prevents the vbAppWinStyle set on the CMD window from being applied recursively. (Or overrides it? I don't know what the technical details are and I'm curious to know exactly what the chain of events is here.)

Answer 4

Here is some more cool knowledge to go with this:
I had a situation where I needed to be able to find folders based on a bit of criteria in the record and then open the folder(s) that were found. While doing work on finding a solution I created a small database that asks for a search starting folder gives a place for 4 pieces of criteria and then allows the user to do criteria matching that opens the 4 (or more) possible folders that match the entered criteria.
Here is the whole code on the form:
Option Compare Database
Option Explicit
Private Sub cmdChooseFolder_Click()
Dim inputFileDialog As FileDialog
Dim folderChosenPath As Variant
If MsgBox("Clear List?", vbYesNo, "Clear List") = vbYes Then DoCmd.RunSQL "DELETE * FROM tblFileList"
Me.sfrmFolderList.Requery
Set inputFileDialog = Application.FileDialog(msoFileDialogFolderPicker)
With inputFileDialog
.Title = "Select Folder to Start with"
.AllowMultiSelect = False
If .Show = False Then Exit Sub
folderChosenPath = .SelectedItems(1)
End With
Me.txtStartPath = folderChosenPath
Call subListFolders(Me.txtStartPath, 1)
End Sub
Private Sub cmdFindFolderPiece_Click()
Dim strCriteria As String
Dim varCriteria As Variant
Dim varIndex As Variant
Dim intIndex As Integer
varCriteria = Array(Nz(Me.txtSerial, "Null"), Nz(Me.txtCustomerOrder, "Null"), Nz(Me.txtAXProject, "Null"), Nz(Me.txtWorkOrder, "Null"))
intIndex = 0
For Each varIndex In varCriteria
strCriteria = varCriteria(intIndex)
If strCriteria <> "Null" Then
Call fnFindFoldersWithCriteria(TrailingSlash(Me.txtStartPath), strCriteria, 1)
End If
intIndex = intIndex + 1
Next varIndex
Set varIndex = Nothing
Set varCriteria = Nothing
strCriteria = ""
End Sub
Private Function fnFindFoldersWithCriteria(ByVal strStartPath As String, ByVal strCriteria As String, intCounter As Integer)
Dim fso As New FileSystemObject
Dim fldrStartFolder As Folder
Dim subfldrInStart As Folder
Dim subfldrInSubFolder As Folder
Dim subfldrInSubSubFolder As String
Dim strActionLog As String
Set fldrStartFolder = fso.GetFolder(strStartPath)
' Debug.Print "Criteria: " & Replace(strCriteria, " ", "", 1, , vbTextCompare) & " and Folder Name is " & Replace(fldrStartFolder.Name, " ", "", 1, , vbTextCompare) & " and Path is: " & fldrStartFolder.Path
If fnCompareCriteriaWithFolderName(fldrStartFolder.Name, strCriteria) Then
' Debug.Print "Found and Opening: " & fldrStartFolder.Name & "Because of: " & strCriteria
Shell "EXPLORER.EXE" & " " & Chr(34) & fldrStartFolder.Path & Chr(34), vbNormalFocus
Else
For Each subfldrInStart In fldrStartFolder.SubFolders
intCounter = intCounter + 1
Debug.Print "Criteria: " & Replace(strCriteria, " ", "", 1, , vbTextCompare) & " and Folder Name is " & Replace(subfldrInStart.Name, " ", "", 1, , vbTextCompare) & " and Path is: " & fldrStartFolder.Path
If fnCompareCriteriaWithFolderName(subfldrInStart.Name, strCriteria) Then
' Debug.Print "Found and Opening: " & subfldrInStart.Name & "Because of: " & strCriteria
Shell "EXPLORER.EXE" & " " & Chr(34) & subfldrInStart.Path & Chr(34), vbNormalFocus
Else
Call fnFindFoldersWithCriteria(subfldrInStart, strCriteria, intCounter)
End If
Me.txtProcessed = intCounter
Me.txtProcessed.Requery
Next
End If
Set fldrStartFolder = Nothing
Set subfldrInStart = Nothing
Set subfldrInSubFolder = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing
End Function
Private Function fnCompareCriteriaWithFolderName(strFolderName As String, strCriteria As String) As Boolean
fnCompareCriteriaWithFolderName = False
fnCompareCriteriaWithFolderName = InStr(1, Replace(strFolderName, " ", "", 1, , vbTextCompare), Replace(strCriteria, " ", "", 1, , vbTextCompare), vbTextCompare) > 0
End Function
Private Sub subListFolders(ByVal strFolders As String, intCounter As Integer)
Dim dbs As Database
Dim fso As New FileSystemObject
Dim fldFolders As Folder
Dim fldr As Folder
Dim subfldr As Folder
Dim sfldFolders As String
Dim strSQL As String
Set fldFolders = fso.GetFolder(TrailingSlash(strFolders))
Set dbs = CurrentDb
strSQL = "INSERT INTO tblFileList (FilePath, FileName, FolderSize) VALUES (" & Chr(34) & fldFolders.Path & Chr(34) & ", " & Chr(34) & fldFolders.Name & Chr(34) & ", '" & fldFolders.Size & "')"
dbs.Execute strSQL
For Each fldr In fldFolders.SubFolders
intCounter = intCounter + 1
strSQL = "INSERT INTO tblFileList (FilePath, FileName, FolderSize) VALUES (" & Chr(34) & fldr.Path & Chr(34) & ", " & Chr(34) & fldr.Name & Chr(34) & ", '" & fldr.Size & "')"
dbs.Execute strSQL
For Each subfldr In fldr.SubFolders
intCounter = intCounter + 1
sfldFolders = subfldr.Path
Call subListFolders(sfldFolders, intCounter)
Me.sfrmFolderList.Requery
Next
Me.txtListed = intCounter
Me.txtListed.Requery
Next
Set fldFolders = Nothing
Set fldr = Nothing
Set subfldr = Nothing
Set dbs = Nothing
End Sub
Private Function TrailingSlash(varIn As Variant) As String
If Len(varIn) > 0& Then
If Right(varIn, 1&) = "\" Then
TrailingSlash = varIn
Else
TrailingSlash = varIn & "\"
End If
End If
End Function
The form has a subform based on the table, the form has 4 text boxes for the criteria, 2 buttons leading to the click procedures and 1 other text box to store the string for the start folder. There are 2 text boxes that are used to show the number of folders listed and the number processed when searching them for the criteria.
If I had the Rep I would post a picture... :/
I have some other things I wanted to add to this code but haven't had the chance yet. I want to have a way to store the ones that worked in another table or get the user to mark them as good to store.
I can not claim full credit for all the code, I cobbled some of it together from stuff I found all around, even in other posts on stackoverflow.
I really like the idea of posting questions here and then answering them yourself because as the linked article says, it makes it easy to find the answer for later reference.
When I finish the other parts I want to add I will post the code for that too. :)

Answer 5

You can use command prompt to open explorer with path.
here example with batch or command prompt:
start "" explorer.exe (path)
so In VBA ms.access you can write with:
Dim Path
Path="C:\Example"
shell "cmd /c start """" explorer.exe " & Path ,vbHide

Answer 6

Here is what I did.
Dim strPath As String
strPath = "\\server\Instructions\"
Shell "cmd.exe /c start """" """ & strPath & """", vbNormalFocus
Pros:
Avoids opening new explorer instances (only sets focus if window
exists).
Relatively simple (does not need to reference win32 libraries).
Window maximization (or minimization) is not mandatory. Window will open with normal size.
Cons:
The cmd-window is visible for a short time.
This consistently opens a window to the folder if there is none open and switches to the open window if there is one open to that folder.
Thanks to PhilHibbs and AnorZaken for the basis for this. PhilHibbs comment didn't quite work for me, I needed to the command string to have a pair of double quotes before the folder name. And I preferred having a command prompt window appear for a bit rather than be forced to have the Explorer window maximized or minimized.

Answer 7

I may not use shell command because of security in the company so the best way I found on internet.
Sub OpenFileOrFolderOrWebsite()
'Shows how to open files and / or folders and / or websites / or create emails using the FollowHyperlink method
Dim strXLSFile As String, strPDFFile As String, strFolder As String, strWebsite As String
Dim strEmail As String, strSubject As String, strEmailHyperlink As String
strFolder = "C:\Test Files\"
strXLSFile = strFolder & "Test1.xls"
strPDFFile = strFolder & "Test.pdf"
strWebsite = "http://www.blalba.com/"
strEmail = "mailto:YourEmailHere#Website.com"
strSubject = "?subject=Test"
strEmailHyperlink = strEmail & strSubject
'**************FEEL FREE TO COMMENT ANY OF THESE TO TEST JUST ONE ITEM*********
'Open Folder
ActiveWorkbook.FollowHyperlink Address:=strFolder, NewWindow:=True
'Open excel workbook
ActiveWorkbook.FollowHyperlink Address:=strXLSFile, NewWindow:=True
'Open PDF file
ActiveWorkbook.FollowHyperlink Address:=strPDFFile, NewWindow:=True
'Open VBAX
ActiveWorkbook.FollowHyperlink Address:=strWebsite, NewWindow:=True
'Create New Email
ActiveWorkbook.FollowHyperlink Address:=strEmailHyperlink, NewWindow:=True
'******************************************************************************
End Sub
so actually its
strFolder = "C:\Test Files\"
and
ActiveWorkbook.FollowHyperlink Address:=strFolder, NewWindow:=True

Answer 8

Shell "C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe /select,""" & ActiveWorkbook.Name & "", vbNormalFocus

Answer 9

Here's an answer that gives the switch-or-launch behaviour of Start, without the Command Prompt window. It does have the drawback that it can be fooled by an Explorer window that has a folder of the same name elsewhere opened. I might fix that by diving into the child windows and looking for the actual path, I need to figure out how to navigate that.
Usage (requires "Windows Script Host Object Model" in your project's References):
Dim mShell As wshShell
mDocPath = whatever_path & "\" & lastfoldername
mExplorerPath = mShell.ExpandEnvironmentStrings("%SystemRoot%") & "\Explorer.exe"
If Not SwitchToFolder(lastfoldername) Then
Shell PathName:=mExplorerPath & " """ & mDocPath & """", WindowStyle:=vbNormalFocus
End If
Module:
Private Declare Function FindWindowEx Lib "user32" Alias "FindWindowExA" _
(ByVal hWnd1 As Long, ByVal hWnd2 As Long, ByVal lpsz1 As String, ByVal lpsz2 As String) As Long
Private Declare Function GetClassName Lib "user32" Alias "GetClassNameA" _
(ByVal hWnd As Long, ByVal lpClassName As String, ByVal nMaxCount As Long) As Long
Private Declare Function GetWindowText Lib "user32" Alias "GetWindowTextA" _
(ByVal hWnd As Long, ByVal lpString As String, ByVal cch As Long) As Long
Private Declare Function BringWindowToTop Lib "user32" _
(ByVal lngHWnd As Long) As Long
Function SwitchToFolder(pFolder As String) As Boolean
Dim hWnd As Long
Dim mRet As Long
Dim mText As String
Dim mWinClass As String
Dim mWinTitle As String
SwitchToFolder = False
hWnd = FindWindowEx(0, 0&, vbNullString, vbNullString)
While hWnd <> 0 And SwitchToFolder = False
mText = String(100, Chr(0))
mRet = GetClassName(hWnd, mText, 100)
mWinClass = Left(mText, mRet)
If mWinClass = "CabinetWClass" Then
mText = String(100, Chr(0))
mRet = GetWindowText(hWnd, mText, 100)
If mRet > 0 Then
mWinTitle = Left(mText, mRet)
If UCase(mWinTitle) = UCase(pFolder) Or _
UCase(Right(mWinTitle, Len(pFolder) + 1)) = "\" & UCase(pFolder) Then
BringWindowToTop hWnd
SwitchToFolder = True
End If
End If
End If
hWnd = FindWindowEx(0, hWnd, vbNullString, vbNullString)
Wend
End Function

Answer 10

Private Sub Command0_Click()
Application.FollowHyperlink "D:\1Zsnsn\SusuBarokah\20151008 Inventory.mdb"
End Sub

Answer 11

I just used this and it works fine:
System.Diagnostics.Process.Start("C:/Users/Admin/files");

Answer 12

Thanks to many of the answers above and elsewhere, this was my solution to a similar problem to the OP. The problem for me was creating a button in Word that asks the user for a network address, and pulls up the LAN resources in an Explorer window.
Untouched, the code would take you to \\10.1.1.1\Test, so edit as you see fit. I'm just a monkey on a keyboard, here, so all comments and suggestions are welcome.
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()
Dim ipAddress As Variant
On Error GoTo ErrorHandler
ipAddress = InputBox("Please enter the IP address of the network resource:", "Explore a network resource", "\\10.1.1.1")
If ipAddress <> "" Then
ThisDocument.FollowHyperlink ipAddress & "\Test"
End If
ExitPoint:
Exit Sub
ErrorHandler:
If Err.Number = "4120" Then
GoTo ExitPoint
ElseIf Err.Number = "4198" Then
MsgBox "Destination unavailable"
GoTo ExitPoint
End If
MsgBox "Error " & Err.Number & vbCrLf & Err.Description
Resume ExitPoint
End Sub