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Getting error The file is locked for shared use by when updating the file properties

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Posted on by neeraj_bharati

Using Microsoft Flow, I am trying to set default value in a metadata column "Column_1" from a sharepoint OOTB "Created By" column whenever a new item created in a document library. Document library has certain content types associated so when I create a new document by choosing a content type, the Office online opens the document in Edit mode.

I am getting below error when I try to update column "Column_1" using "Update file properties" action

Error 423: The file <filename.xlsx> is locked for shared use by <email id>. clientRequestId:<xxx> serviceRequestId:<xxx>

How can I check the status of the file if locked or not? Any help is much appreciated.

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steve_hendy 371 on at

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Re: Getting error The file is locked for shared use by when updating the file properties

On a Friday evening, most don't work weekends 😀
sarizvi 6 on at

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Re: Getting error The file is locked for shared use by when updating the file properties

Yes, but:
1. Normally no one keeps the file open for 42 hours
2. in case of an exception, we can create a counter and terminate after 4999 loops.

However, the solution should work of almost all usual cases
1. File Created from Template using "New >> Content Type" menu (this is where most of the challenges arise)
2. File uploaded
steve_hendy 371 on at

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Re: Getting error The file is locked for shared use by when updating the file properties

That will timeout after 5000 loops of do until. 42 hours.
sarizvi 6 on at

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Re: Getting error The file is locked for shared use by when updating the file properties

The flow must wait out till the file is locked. To do this Create a Do Until with a 30 seconds delay to loop until the file is not locked.

Steps
Initialize a Variable ‘File Locked’ as Boolean
Create a Do Until Loop to check a variable ‘File Locked’ = false
Inside the loop
Add a 30 Seconds Delay
Get file properties
Set Variable File Locked to Get File Properties >> Checked Out
Marianr99 15 on at

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Re: Getting error The file is locked for shared use by when updating the file properties

Thank you so much!
steve_hendy 371 on at

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Re: Getting error The file is locked for shared use by when updating the file properties

This works Chris 1234 see previous thread he wrote on page 2 of replies.
Marianr99 15 on at

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Re: Getting error The file is locked for shared use by when updating the file properties

Hello 🙂
Did you find any solution?

Thank you
GerryBrimacombe 12 on at

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Re: Getting error The file is locked for shared use by when updating the file properties

I am running into a similar issue, but slightly different.

I am using a Button Flow to process an Excel file and load it into a list.
When the Excel data is successfully loaded into the list, I want to update a Status metadata field to LOADED. Of course that Status field is part of the Excel fiel COOntent type.

No sweat, right?

But I am consistently getting the file is locked by me (the person running the Flow). I have added the loop as recommended by @PowerSA above, and also detailed in this article. That works, but it takes about 6 minutes for the Flow to recognize the file as unlocked.

I love the idea of CANCEL CHECK-OUT by @russoedu , but I am getting an error "FILE IS NOT CHECKED OUT". What am I missing? I tried to check it out before my Get Excel Data From Table" action, but i get the same "FILE LOCKED" condition. Can I get the data without locking the file, or by locking it briefly and then unlocking?

Thank you,
Gerry
russoedu 50 on at

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Re: Getting error The file is locked for shared use by when updating the file properties

Also having a similar issue, but in my case, I run an Office Script right after the file is uploaded.

In this Child flow I was trying to update the properties in a loop, trying every 15 seconds.

After I put the checkout / discard checkout, it's always working on the first attempt (it used to take 20).
Community Power Pla... on at

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Re: Getting error The file is locked for shared use by when updating the file properties

There's no fix available, only a workaround.

Try thinking about your flow logic differently.
Instead of:
File is updated --> Send email with link

Try something like:
File is updated --> check if files is locked --> Locked --> Loop until lock is released --> Send email
--> Not locked --> Send email

Checking if the file is locked is easy and is noted in my previous post:
Re: Getting error The file is locked for shared us... - Page 3 - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com)