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There's a problem with my flow trigger

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Posted on by CU21070434-0

When I try to create a flow "Send me a notification via email when a spreadsheet has been updated in one drive" I get an error message saying the there's a problem with my flow's trigger.

When I look at the error it says "The file ID is not valid". I've tried two different files in one drive and I'm not sure why I'm getting the error.

Thanks

Sean

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Building flows

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yashag2255 24,769 Super User 2024 Season 1 on at

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Hi @CU21070434-0

Can you a share a screenshot of your flow in edit mode with the trigger expanded? A screenshot of the error would also be helpful in further understanding the issue.

As some triage steps, you may want to:

1. Create a new flow with the same trigger and confirm that is working.

2. Close the file after editing so that there are no conflicts for the flow to execute actions.

Hope this Helps!

If this reply has answered your question or solved your issue, please mark this question as answered. Answered questions helps users in the future who may have the same issue or question quickly find a resolution via search. If you liked my response, please consider giving it a thumbs up. THANKS!

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stampcoin 5,146 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

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@CU21070434-0 Hi,

What trigger do you use ?

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Riyaz_riz11 4,048 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

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Hi,

Solution 1: Clear Browser Cache and Re-authenticate

Clear your browser cache completely

Sign out of Power Automate and OneDrive

Sign back in to both services

Try creating the flow again

Solution 2: Use the Correct Trigger Selection Method

Instead of typing or pasting file paths:

When creating the trigger "When a file is modified (properties only)"

Click the folder icon next to the file field

Navigate through the folder structure visually

Select your Excel file from the browser popup

Don't manually type the file path or ID

Solution 3: Check File Location and Permissions

Ensure your file is:

Located in your personal OneDrive (not SharePoint or shared folders)

Not in a synced folder that might have sync conflicts

Accessible with full permissions (you're the owner)

Saved as .xlsx format (not .csv or other formats)

Solution 4: Use Alternative Trigger

If the file-specific trigger isn't working, try:

Use "When a file is created or modified (properties only)" trigger

Select the folder containing your spreadsheet instead of the specific file

Add a condition to filter for your specific file:

File name equals [YourFileName.xlsx]

Solution 5: Recreate the File

Sometimes the file metadata gets corrupted:

Copy all data from your current spreadsheet

Create a new Excel file in OneDrive

Paste the data into the new file

Delete the old file

Use the new file in your Power Automate trigger

Solution 6: Use SharePoint Trigger Instead

If OneDrive continues to have issues:

Move your file to SharePoint (if you have access)

Use "When an item or file is modified" SharePoint trigger

This trigger is generally more reliable than OneDrive triggers

Solution 7: Manual File ID Method

If other methods fail:

Open your Excel file in OneDrive web

Copy the URL from the browser address bar

Extract the file ID from the URL (the long string after /documents/)

In Power Automate, use "When a file is modified (properties only)"

Manually enter the file ID in the File field

Solution 8: Check OneDrive Sync Status

Pause OneDrive sync temporarily

Create the flow while sync is paused

Resume sync after the flow is created

This prevents sync conflicts that can cause ID issues

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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