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odata query filter on Get files(Properties only)

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Posted on by Ian_C

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Hi,

I am trying to build a workflow that picks up any email received in a users Inbox where the subject contains the string "Project - 9999 - " (Where 9999 could be any number) and then stores that email into a Project folder in a document library.

The document library contains hundreds of folders each starting e.g. "Project - 1234 - project title".

I have got the workflow to intercept the email and extract the search string into a Compose action. I am then trying to identify the specific folder required by using this Get Files action

The FSObjType eq 1 part of the Odata query works fine on its own and returns all the folders however the startswith part of the query doesn't seem to work. I've even tried just hardcoding "startswith(Title,'Project - 1234 - ') and that doesn't return the folder even though I can actually see it.

I was referencing this very helpful url regarding syntax - OData: startswith Function - Manuel T. Gomes
but still no joy.

Any ideas?

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Building flows

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Riyaz_riz11 3,893 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

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Hi,

Option 1: Use Filter array after retrieving all folders

Instead of relying on OData filter in the Get Files action (which can be limited), retrieve all folders first, then filter them in Power Automate.

Steps:

Use Get Files (Properties only) action

Filter query: FSObjType eq 1 (to get all folders)

Add Filter array action

From: output of Get Files

Condition: Use expression to filter folder names starting with your project string

Example condition expression:

startsWith(item()?['Title'], outputs('Compose_ProjectString'))

Where outputs('Compose_ProjectString') contains your project string like "Project - 1234 - ".

The Filter array will return matching folders.

Option 2: Use SharePoint REST API call with Send an HTTP request to SharePoint

The SharePoint REST API supports startswith in $filter properly.

Example HTTP request:

Site Address: Your site URL

Method: GET

Uri:

_api/web/lists/getbytitle('Documents')/items?$filter=FSObjType eq 1 and startswith(Title,'Project - 1234 - ')

You can replace 'Documents' with your document library name.

Then parse the JSON response to get your folder.

If I have answered your question, please mark it as the preferred solution ✅ . If you like my response, please give it a Thumbs Up 👍.
Regards,
Riyaz

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Ian_C 163 on at

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Many thanks @Riyaz_riz11
Your Option 1 has worked a treat.

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