PRB: DIRECTORY() Fails to See System or Hidden Folder (191881)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 5.0
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 5.0a
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 6.0
This article was previously published under Q191881

SYMPTOMS

When using the DIRECTORY() function to check if a specified directory is found on disk and the attribute of the directory is set to system and/or hidden, the DIRECTORY() function returns .F. even though the directory exists.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

This behavior also happens with the GETDIR() function and CD command. The GETDIR() function will not display a directory that has hidden and/or system attributes. Issuing CD to a directory that has hidden and/or system attributes generates the following error:
Invalid path or filename.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

  1. In Command window, issue the following command: 
          ?DIRECTORY("c:\windows\fonts") && Using your Windows directory path.
    RESULT: The DIRECTORY function reported .F.

  2. Go into the Windows Explorer and look for the Fonts directory in the Windows directory. The attribute of the directory is set to system.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/24/1999
Keywords:kbprb KB191881
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