VB6: Windows 10 Known Folders / SHGetKnownFolderPath

Download the bas module here: basKnownFolders.bas


In Windows XP, the recommended practice to find special folders was to call SHGetFolderPath(), but this was deprecated starting in Windows Vista. From Vista on, we're supposed to use SHGetKnownFolderPath(). Unfortunately, it's extremely hard to find easy-to-use code for SHGetKnownFolderPath without having to add unnecessary references or components to your project. (typelibs, or scripting objects.)

Thanks to Randy Birch's excellent sample code, here's an easy-to-use module that lets you identify special folders using API calls, no references or components needed. Simply add the attached module to your project, then call the following function:

?KnownFolder(enumerated value)

You can call the following from the debug window to see a list of known folders and their values:

KnownFolderList


The module contains two compiler directives:
Of the 88 total known folders, only 54 return any value for me. The rest are listed as virtual folders by Randy Birch's sample project. I've moved these 34 virtual folders to the end of the enumeration and wrapped them in compiler directives, letting you easily prevent them from being included. This helps reduce clutter in the enumeration dropdown.

The second compiler directive lets you discard the KnownFoldersList() debug window output routines to reduce the size of the code in your finished project.

Here's a the known folder enumeration for reference:

Attached Files

• Image may be NSFW.
  Clik here to view. basKnownFolders.bas (16.8 KB)