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Power Platform Community / Forums / Power Automate / Flow Stopping When Min...
Power Automate
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Flow Stopping When Minimized

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Posted on by 80

Hello,

 

I have built out a flow that works perfectly until one step when Power Automate Desktop is minimized.  Keeping it simple, the flow downloads a file from one website and uploads it into another.  The flow processes every step correctly when it is full screen, but when minimized or the computer is locked it always stops when trying to upload the file as it fails to write the file path in the dialog box before clicking "open" to upload the file.  I have also tried placing it on a VM and using RDP it works until I minimize the remote desktop window.  The only workaround I found so far is I installed Splashtop on the VM and by connecting to the VM it keeps the flow going flawlessly.  Just to clarify, the flow continues to run with the VM locked until the part of the flow where the file path text needs to be sent to the dialog box to upload the file.  Does anyone have any suggestions or workarounds?

I have the same question (0)
  • fraenK Profile Picture
    2,125 on at

    There are some requirements for running unattended automations, did you already check them?

    https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-automate/desktop-flows/run-pad-flow#unattended-mode

  • fraenK Profile Picture
    2,125 on at

    Btw. uploading files to websites could also be done with cloud flow using the HTTP connector. So no dedicated machine would be required. You just need to figure out the website's login procedure und file upload post details.

  • Rohith_Raju Profile Picture
    Microsoft Employee on at

    Hello @frankc9   ,


    It seems that the the Flow that you Developed consists of Interactive Actions. 

    In PAD the actions fall under two categories.

    1). Interactive Actions (which need screen to be active to work as expected)
    2). Non - Interactive Actions (which can run in the background, Like Excel actions, Web Actions etc.)

    If while using interactive actions, the Screen is Locked or not available in the Screen, then the action tends to fail.

    All actions related to Message Boxes and Dialog Boxes (except Display Notification) fall under interactive actions, and hence it has to be visible on the Screen.

    Please find the List of Interactive actions for each action Folder in the Document below and Image as well.
    https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/troubleshoot/winautomation/process-development-tips/ui-automation/interactive-non-interactive-actions




    Interactive_Non-Interactive actionsInteractive_Non-Interactive actions

     

  • frankc9 Profile Picture
    80 on at

    Thank you for your assistance.  I ended up just getting the license for running unattended automations and the flow has worked as intended now.

  • frankc9 Profile Picture
    80 on at

    How would I go about getting started in finding out the website's login procedure and file upload post details?

  • frankc9 Profile Picture
    80 on at

    Thank you very much for this list.  This will definitely come in handy!

  • fraenK Profile Picture
    2,125 on at

    You'll need to use your browser's developer tools and inspect POST actions within the network tab, filter by XHR. 

    For example: https://developer.chrome.com/docs/devtools/network/

  • littleb Profile Picture
    2 on at

    This is quite possibly the best piece of information I have received yet!  Major help-- thank you

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