How to select a UI Element when the file name is different?

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Posted on by Typhoon74

Hi there,

I am facing the following problem.

I am using an SAP Excel Analysis application to start a new Excel instance.

That is creating and opening a file P.4 Project Trend Report (12-24-21).xlsx and providing a Prompts window when the file does open, on which I would like to enter and select values to proceed.

The number (12-24-21 hh-mm-ss) inside the brackets of the file name is a timestamp that is always new when I run the application again.

Because of this file name change, the UI automation does not work because the screen recording is always referring to the file name from where I recorded the flow.

These are the current steps I have and click UI element does not work any longer when running the app next time.

Is there a way to use the UI element in this scenario?

Many thanks for any help.

Thanks and Regards

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Power Automate Desktop

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VJR 7,635 on at

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Hi @Typhoon74

You need to modify the selectors of that UI element such that it does not pick up the same filename.

For this go to the selector builder of that UI element.

Refer the steps and screenshots from @adijain's post here.

Either you can totally untick and remove the attribute that has the file name if you don't need it to identify the UI element.

OR

you can use wild card that says something like P.4 Project Trend Report (*.xlsx

OR use any of the suitable dropdown functions where it says "Starts with" and then give P.4 Project Trend Report (

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Typhoon74 6 on at

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@VJR thank you for that hint, that solved my problem 👍

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