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POwer Automate Desktop error excel file

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Hello,

I developed my application with power automate desktop, I started by running it locally with excel files, everything works fine. Now I want the excel files I'm working with to be on a sharepoint.

So I've linked my sharepoint folder directly to my OneDrive, here's the path C:\Users\X123123\OneDrive\Project\database.xlsx

I use the power desktop action "Launch Excel" to work in the file. The path I use to access the file is as follows: C:\Users\X123123\OneDrive\Project\database.xlsx

My flow works correctly when I run it once, then I have to restart my computer otherwise the file is not readable, it says that a user is using the file.

the error message when i try 2 times the flow is "failed to open Excel document" and when I try to open it on share point I got this error. Is open in another application. Please close it and try again.

Please help, I m blocked.

Thanks

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Power Automate Desktop

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Agnius Bartninkas Most Valuable Professional on at

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It is likely caused by the fact that OneDrive has auto-sync enabled on Excel files. If you are trying to write to the file, auto-sync could cause issues, as PAD is not able to work with that. If it's a read-only file, it should be fine (make sure you use Close Excel at the end of your flow, though). But if you need to make changes to it, I would suggest copying the file locally first, then making changes, and then moving it back to SharePoint via the OneDrive app.

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Community Power Pla... Microsoft Employee on at

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Thanks for the answer Agnius,
How can I download locally the file from a share point with power automate Desktop ?

I don't found a action to do that.

Regards,
Valentin

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Agnius Bartninkas Most Valuable Professional on at

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If you have the OneDrive app and have already synced the SharePoint directory with your machine, you can use the Copy file(s) action under the Files action group to do that. The file will be interpreted as if it is in a local directory. The OneDrive app handles the sync.

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If I have answered your question, please mark it as the preferred solution. If you like my response, please give it a Thumbs Up.

I also provide paid consultancy and development services using Power Automate. If you're interested, DM me and we can discuss it.

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