Build a File Path to a Username Dependent Directory

Issue Details

• I am trying to build a path to a directory on my computer that is dependent on the Windows username.  I want this code to work on any computer, regardless of the username.  Is there a tool for this?
• Is there a way to programmatically get the Windows user name from LabVIEW? I would like to build a path constant specific to the currently logged-on user.  For example, I would like to create files on the user's desktop, and the path to the desktop contains the Windows user name.

Solution

• The "Get System Directory VI" can return the file path for many username dependent directories.  After placing the function, you can select the directory via the enum input.  The function will then return a file path.
• You can obtain the Windows user name in LabVIEW using the System Exec VI. Use the command echo %username% with the System Exec VI to programmatically obtain the Windows user name in LabVIEW.  This value can then be used with the "build path" function, to create your file path.

Figure 1 System Exec VI

• You also can obtain the Windows user name using the Application:User Name property. After you add the Property Node to the block diagram, right-click Property and select Select Property»Application»User Name.  This value can then be used with the "build path" function, to create your file path.

Figure 2 User Name Property Node

Figure 3 User Name Output

Additional Information