How can I avoid the error 'Can't open the file as used by other process'?

Kartik21

Hi All,

Many times, I get 'Can't open the file as it is being used by other process' error when I have outputs to different tabs of the same excel file.

Even trying block until done is no use sometimes. Can you please suggest some alternatives to this?

Screenshot 2024-10-04 170133.png

JosephSerpis

Hi @Kartik21 if you have Alteryx Designer 2023.1+ then you have access to Control Containers which when utlised creates a sequence of order of execution. Which can be a alternative to you. As you can put the various sections of your workflows in control containers meaning the Output data tools are Outputting to the various tabs in the same file one at a time in a sequence.

For added context the block until done tools in your example may not work as you have different branchs of your workflows that are outputting that I assume to the same excel. Hence maybe causing a conflict with outputting data to the file at the same time. To get the best out of using block until done you need to combine the streams together so one section cannot proceed until one section completes. I typically use a sample tool with it limited to one record with append field tools as I can deselect any addtional fields so I don't change my data after a block until tool that goes to an output for the next section of my workflow, like in the screenshot I mocked up.