Error Code 255 while running a workflow

Question

Hi ,

We have a workflow which is sending pdf files to some users . These reports are extracted from tableau and then converted into PDF and emails are sent to specific users, The Exportviews.bat extract the reports views from tableau and stores them in temp working folder.

Sometimes the workflow throws error as mentioned below

0:04:33.563 - ToolId 237: D: \Program Files\Alteryx\Engine\Engine_98XX_ea6b3a6364dcb29d6b6656_\Detail\ExportViews.bat|1 records were written to "D:\Program Files\Alteryx\Engine\Engine_98XX_ea6b3a636aee4dc2809286b29d6b6656_\Detail\ExportViews.bat"
00:04:33.596 - ToolId 237: D: \Program Files\Alteryx\Engine\Engine_98xx_ea6b3a636aee4dc6b29d6b6656_\Output.yxdb|Record #1: Tool #1: 1 records were written to "D:\Program Files\Alteryx\Engine\Engine_98xx_ea6b3a636aee4dc2d6b6656_\Output.yxdb"
00:04:33.654 - Error - ToolId 237: Tool #93: Record #1: Tool #1: The external program "D:\Program Files\Alteryx\Engine\Engine_98xx_ea6b3a636aee4dc2809286b29d6b6656_\Detail\ExportViews.bat" returned an error code: 255
00:04:33.655 - Error - ToolId 237: Tool #93: Workflow was Cancelled by Properties Setting Finished in 00:04:33.708 with 2 errors

I wish to know the cause of this error and also the resolution to avoid this error from occurirng again.

Thanks,

Charu

DanM · Answer

@cthareja,

If you were having an issue with the lock files, none of your workflows would run on your server. You can google the batch file error 255 and see that either the batch file is not where you are stating it is within the location you have given or what you are calling in the batch file is not available. If you are using the Events in the Workflow Configuration to run the bat file, there is a 30 second time limit that you can adjust. Lastly, your server must have access to the locations that you are calling to get the bat file. Make sure your Run As user is set to someone that has access to those locations within the workflow you are calling.

In order to resolve the issue if you cannot figure out the issue with the bat script. Please open a ticket with the Alteryx Support team and provide the workflow and the bat file. They should be able to give you some ideas as to what may be happening.

DanM

cthareja · Answer

Yes this issue is coming on the Alteryx server, and we noticing two lock files in the engine.

DanM · Answer

@cthareja,

Is this happening on your server instance? This is not clear from your post but you have posted in the server section. if this is Designer I will move the post to the Designer Discussions upon your reply.

The error you are getting is coming from the bat file you are using and not Alteryx. Your bat file may not be closing properly or your network or security is causing an issue. Since the error is inconsistent, it typically relates to an issue with environment causing the issue.

DanM