Copy csv files from One folder to Another folder!!!

[Dhilip_Kumar]

Hi,

I would like your guidance on an issue I am facing.

In my workflow, I need to copy files from 3 different directory and paste them into another directory without opening them. However, at times, another user may have the source file open, which causes Alteryx to throw an error and stop the process.

To avoid this issue, I am looking for a solution that allows the workflow to run successfully even if the input file is opened by another user.

Please advise me.

Thanks

Dhilip Kumar

[jrlindem]

@Dhilip_Kumar 

This thread is of a similar ask.  Please review my responses.  While the author of this thread didn't find success, I have been able to do what you are asking...

Re: Using Run Command Tool To Create New File When... - Alteryx Community

[dreldrel]

Hi, you may want to try using the python tool or run command tool to automate the copy and paste process. If this helps, please like the post and mark it as the solution. Thank you!

[Hsandness]

Based on the Microsoft documentation I've seen, you can only move files within the MS Office Suite if they are read only or closed. I see the same results when I looking at ChatGPT or CoPilot and have also never been able to move files myself unless they're closed on the other user's side.

MS Documentation: Moving and Replacing Files - Win32 apps | Microsoft Learn

[jrlindem]

@Hsandness You are correct that you can't MOVE files if they are open, but you can copy them and then access the new copy in the workflow even if the file is open.

Regarding my earlier post and link to another thread, using Run Command to copy (or robocopy) and then access the new copy is the right approach and should work to accomplish the ask.