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format to use for converting list values to data table

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I have a list(using 'Add items to list') in power automate desktop , after I performed actions like 'Remove duplicate items in the list'. I have to change the list values(generic value type) to data table (with data rows), the data coming from the action 'remove duplicate items in the list'. As I need to write the data back to a excel file.

My list contains dynamic values , as every time it will be changing. not specific one's, based on the file content keeps changing every time . So kindly suggest what format to use for converting list values to data table, as I need to write back again in to the excel file in the same flow.

Thanks in advance , expecting quick response.

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MichaelAnnis 5,727 Moderator on at

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I saw your other post. Being that this is what you end up with:

Item 1, Result 2
Item 2, Result 2

I would do as you suggested, write to excel, text to columns (delimited by comma). Then, if you need the data table back in PAD, read from Excel.

On another note, in your other post. I will comment a possibly more efficient solution.

Best of luck!

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Community Power Pla... Microsoft Employee on at

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@MichaelAnnis , I replied in other post too for more detailed explanation. I have 7 columns in excel & rows will not be fixed , as it keeps varying with file content.

Didn't get this part , may be a bit detailed explanation for this please.
Item 1, Result 2
Item 2, Result 2

I would do as you suggested, write to excel, text to columns (delimited by comma). Then, if you need the data table back in PAD, read from Excel.

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Community Power Pla... Microsoft Employee on at

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@MichaelAnnis to put it simple & more clear.
The main aim is to remove the repeated items( overwrite the present data with new data) in my excel file. As I have a database filtering all the duplicates with (primary key as ID column), but as I have only 1 database storing all the data & have to apply some filters on the data. So this flow is triggered by cloud flow (when an file is created) & then stores in DB & then applying filters.

The main issue here is , as filter( The query to DB) applies on all the data in DB , I get the previous data along with new data . So the data in excel is written twice along with new one's. So it has to over write the old data , with new one's.

Attaching screenshot for reference(overwriting existing content), as we have for a text file , I couldn't find out for excel actions, so trying on the lists for add, remove duplicates but that seem to be way more complex.

Kindly provide any solution for this.Overwriting the content in text file

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MichaelAnnis 5,727 Moderator on at

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I would remove the filter on your old Excel Data, select All, Delete, and write in your new data per our other conversation. If it's tied to a Database, I warn you about overwriting the data, but if it simply is a copy of results from a DB query, then just delete it and replace with your data.

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Community Power Pla... Microsoft Employee on at

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Thanks a lot @MichaelAnnis for your quick response. Appreciate it.
But here , the actions in desktop flow is different , i tried achieving the same as you mentioned above . But the actions in desktop flow can't perform those actions.

Attaching the screenshots for references. Where in no action for deleting range of cells , have only this action 'delete a specified cell ' & next action is 'select action'-> 'selecting range of cells' actions doesn't provide variable, to delete them in next action. Kindly suggest the ways.

Thanks again, it would be really helpful.

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MichaelAnnis 5,727 Moderator on at

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Are we talking about "Delete All"? If so:

Send Keys {Control}(a)
Send Keys {Delete}
Select Cells in Excel A1:A1

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Community Power Pla... Microsoft Employee on at

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Thank you , will try this workaround.

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