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Power Platform Community / Forums / Power Automate / ODBC and "invalid valu...
Power Automate
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ODBC and "invalid value" error when using % character within password - Power Automate desktop

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Posted on by 13

hello.

 

Is there a workaround for Power Automate to accept % symbols within a SQL connection string using ODBC file DSN? It appears to deem the character as an "invalid value" despite wrapping the password in {} bracket.

 

See screenshot

 

powerautomate_invalid_value.png

 

 

 

 

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I have the same question (0)
  • lbendlin Profile Picture
    8,551 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

    Single quotes around the password should work

     

    c# - Escape ;(semicolon) in odbc connection string in app.config file - Stack Overflow

  • unslog Profile Picture
    13 on at

    Thanks for reply, however that doesn't work.

     

    It appears to be specifically a problem with the % symbol. I also tried other methods mentioned in the link you provided to no avail. the semi-colon within the password works with no problem. Doesn't even in to be wrapped with {} or ''

     

     

  • lbendlin Profile Picture
    8,551 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

    How about %%  ?    Have you considered changing the password?

  • unslog Profile Picture
    13 on at

    Hi, 

     

    The %% kinda worked - i.e. the "invalid value" stopped appearing...however this then broke the next step "Execute SQL Query" as the SQL connection variable uses % symbols, so suspect a clash. 

     

    So the workaround to this (if anyone else experiences this behaviour) is to amalgamate the connection string with the SQL query (see screenshot), The only issue with is approach is I'm unable to close the SQL connection (which appears to depends on a connection string variable. 

     

    Connection String2023-05-23 14_34_32.png

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