Dynamic Input Causing Upload Issues

I'm having an issue where I upload my workflow to the server, and it will upload successfully, but truncates the file paths in my dynamic inputs tools that I use to bring in the most recent file or 2nd most recent file that is used for my workflow. I spent quite some time researching this issue but have yet to find a solution. The closest solution I came across was converting my file paths to "All UNC," paths but then this doesn't allow me to upload the workflow to the server for some reason. I feel like the dynamic input tool is a very popular tool used, so I'm quite confused as to why it's this difficult to upload a workflow to the server using this tool. Here is an error I get when I try uploading my workflow after converting my file paths to "All UNC." Appreciate any help I can get, as a few other colleagues I know are having similar issues!

Error Message.PNG

Workflow

Gallery

Error Message

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edavies

Update: I have noticed that when I successfully upload my workflow to the server/gallery, it is storing the workflow and the files that are being utilized in the dynamic input tool in my local drive rather than referencing my company's S: drive. This seems to be the driving issue of the workflow not working properly, as I need it to reference the S: drive rather than my local drive. Has anyone had any similar issues?

fmvizcaino

Hi @edavies ,

I have never seems these error messages before, which is weird, but let`s try configuring the tools correctly and see if the error persists.

When publishing your workflows onto the Gallery, you have to guarantee your server has access to the drive in question and for that to happen, you must use UNC path since S: is a mapped drive that only your computer knows.

Before saving the workflow onto the Gallery, your dynamic input template can point to your S: drive and you can leave the box checked (file will be stored on the server) and your directory tool must have the UNC path as image below.

Screenshot 2023-08-16 125733.png

LEt me know if this worked.

Thank you,

Fernando Vizcaino

edavies

@fmvizcaino appreciate your assistance here. So, I'm able to upload my workflow, however I'm getting this error when running the workflow on the server:

"Unable to open file for read: FILEPATH NAME/FILE - Can't open file: FILEPATH NAME/FILE: Access is denied. (5) (ToolId: 155)"

I have 4 directories/dynamic inputs in this workflow and received a total of 4 errors (the other 3 being similar). For clarity, FILEPATH NAME/FILE is where my file path/file name is being referenced. It's the UNC path as well rather than the S: drive. Would you have any suggestions?

fmvizcaino

Hi @edavies ,

Thank you for the additional information.

So these errors don`t seem related to the path but with Excel permissions. Could you please check if your file is set as confidential, password protected or similar?

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/restrict-access-to-workbooks-with-information-rights-management-in-excel-3525d8fd-4313-4645-b60e-5ec0e1b9c317#

Screenshot 2023-08-16 141746.png

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

edavies

@fmvizcaino it is marked as "unrestricted access," so it seems like that may not be the issue.

fmvizcaino

Could you please try a new excel file using the same workflow configuration and shared folder?

The only way I could get the same error message was protecting the file. I`m just wondering if something is hidden in the excel files you are using.

Best,

Fernando V.

edavies

@fmvizcaino It looks like I'm still receiving the same error. Is there a setting in Alteryx I may have on that disallows the server to reach those files? Perhaps it's a setting within my company that is preventing the server to reaching the file path?

fmvizcaino

Is there a setting in Alteryx I may have on that disallows the server to reach those files?

Not a setting, but your server credential could not have access to the folder.

When you publish the workflow onto the server, the Gallery will use its configured credential (service account, run as credential or local user) to access the files.

If the credential (user) doesn`t have access to the folder, you will see a message saying that the server can`t find the file, as image below:

Perhaps it's a setting within my company that is preventing the server to reaching the file path?

Not preventing from reaching but from opening the files. If the file path were unreachable, you would get the message I showed in the image above.

The only way I could get the same error message was by protecting the Excel file. That could be a setting in your shared folder to prevent unknown users from accessing the files.

If you are a Gallery admin, the easier way to test if that is the issue is to enable the option to use credentials on workflows and add yours.

Here is more about the credentials: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Server-Knowledge-Base/How-Workflow-Credentials-Work-on-a-Gallery/ta-p/176171

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

edavies

@fmvizcaino thank you. I actually get that error, so I'm going to follow up with some others to see if this is a permissions issue with my credentials. I appreciate your help!

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