Track temp files

eelisMX · March 2nd, 2005, 10:33 AM

Hi

The following function determines if file is used by other application, or if it is accessible for binary read.

Code:

Function isFileUsed(ByVal fName As String) As Boolean

        Dim fNum As Integer

        ' supply a file number that is not already in use
        fNum = FreeFile()

        Try
            ' try to open the file for read
            FileOpen(fNum, fName, OpenMode.Binary, OpenAccess.ReadWrite)
            FileClose(fNum)
            ' FileOpen succeeded
            Return False
        Catch
            ' FileOpen failed
            Return True
        End Try
End Function

It works great.
Some applications keep also temp files while they are open (i.e. MS Office).
My problem is that this function will return false for those temp files (not in use), while the main file returns true (when it is open). Does temp file has a special attribute (I tried already the Temporary attr - its not that).
I realized that some of the temp files are hidden, but normal hidden files should pass this function so its not a good option for me.

So, let's put it more clear: Is there a way to track temp files that some applications keep while they're open ?

Thanks:)

BrianWren · March 2nd, 2005, 11:28 AM

I suspect the only ways are things like âtaking a look aroundâ before and after an app is put into use, knowing the names that that app uses, and so on.

I don't think there is a specific, direct, trustworthy way to do this.

Why do you ask? (It is an unusual question.) Perhaps there is a better way to do what it is that your ultimate goal is. (Plus, Iâm curioous...)

eelisMX · March 3rd, 2005, 02:50 AM

My main goal is to rearrange bunch of files and relocate them to a new folder (sort of backup and slight modification). I would not like to work with files that are in use by other process (the above function solve it), so there's no idea to pick up their temp backup file.
From checking some of those temp files I found no specific pattern (as you said). Welcome to the Jungle...
Might be the best solution to check that all processes are down before running it.

BrianWren · March 3rd, 2005, 12:25 PM

If you have the authority to do so, you could configure the application that are creating the temp files to use some other location.
If you only copy the files, then the apps using them would not be affected.
Programming would be easier sometimes if we could just add psychic properties to the code...