totn Excel Functions

MS Excel: How to use the SETATTR Function (VBA)

This Excel tutorial explains how to use the Excel SETATTR function with syntax and examples.

Description

The Microsoft Excel SETATTR statement allows you to set the attributes of a file.

The SETATTR function is a built-in function in Excel that is categorized as a File/Directory Function. It can be used as a VBA function (VBA) in Excel. As a VBA function, you can use this function in macro code that is entered through the Microsoft Visual Basic Editor.

Syntax

The syntax for the SETATTR function in Microsoft Excel is:

SetAttr path, attributes

Parameters or Arguments

path
The path to a file that you wish to set the attributes for.
attributes

The attributes that you'd like to set for the file. Attributes can be the following values:

VB Constant Value Explanation
vbNormal 0 Normal (default)
vbReadOnly 1 Read-only
vbHidden 2 Hidden
vbSystem 4 System file
vbArchive 32 File has been changed since last backup
vbAlias 64 File name is an alias (Macintosh only)

Returns

The SETATTR function does not return a value, but rather sets the attributes of a file.

Applies To

  • Excel for Office 365, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2011 for Mac, Excel 2010, Excel 2007, Excel 2003, Excel XP, Excel 2000

Type of Function

  • VBA function (VBA)

Example (as VBA Function)

The SETATTR function can only be used in VBA code in Microsoft Excel.

Let's look at some Excel SETATTR function examples and explore how to use the SETATTR function in Excel VBA code:

SetAttr "C:\instructions.doc", vbNormal
Result: Sets the file to Normal

SetAttr "C:\instructions.doc", vbReadOnly + vbHidden
Result: Sets the file to ReadOnly and Hidden

For example:

SetAttr "c:\Test\Doc1.doc", vbReadOnly + vbHidden

In this example, the file called Doc1.doc (found in the c:\Test\ directory) would now be set to a ReadOnly, Hidden file.

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