Dynamic Input Tool Error: "No table chosen" when reading Access files

[Alma7]

Hi everyone,
I'm trying to build a workflow that reads the same table from multiple Access files (monthly versions). I used the Directory Tool to list the files and filtered for accbd. Then I created a Batch Macro with a Control Parameter and a Dynamic Input Tool.

In the Dynamic Input Tool:

• I selected one file as the Input Data Source Template.
• I chose the correct table from that file.
• I set the action to "Change Entire File Path" using the Full Path field.

However, when I run the workflow, I get this error:

           Dynamic Input (xx): No table chosen; Please select a Table from data source.

I confirmed that the table exists and is readable using a regular Input Data Tool. But the Dynamic Input Tool still fails.

Has anyone seen this before or know how to fix it?

Thanks in advance!

[apathetichell]

take a look in the action tool at how the dynamic input tool is configured. It's probably got a value like file|||table or something like that. you should see something which separates the file --- from the table.

the problem is that if you are submitting a full path from your outerworkflow --- and using that to update the value --- you are loosing the |||table part --- so instead of just replacing your file name/table combo --- you are replacing both --- and not specifying the table.

the fix is to go into replace a specific string at the bottom of the action tool ---> and replace ONLY the filepath --- not the file path/table.

[Gaurav_Dhama_]

I don't think Alteryx can read table data directly.

By table I mean actual tables which you add by Insert>Table or Keyboard shortcut Cltr+L.

This table is not exposed by excel, so Alteryx cannot read it directly.

What you can instead do is use Named Ranges. You can select range of cells and give name to those cells and call it in Alteryx.

If you have a table, you can select all the values and name it something similar to your tables, for example Table name is Table1 then Named Range can be TableRange1. Then use this to read the data.

Note that when you will try to name cells in your table, it will automatically change it to table reference, so make sure it looks like below snip1

and not like snip 2

See the bottom formula in both snips:  "Refers To:"

[apathetichell]

@Gaurav_Dhama_  --- tables in Access. Not Excel.

[Gaurav_Dhama_ · Accepted solution]

Oops, I missed that, yes as @apathetichell mentioned it is the table name that you need to add at the end of the fullpath. Check Snip below.

[apathetichell]

@Gaurav_Dhama_ --- and I'm sure you'd agree that when configuring an action tool in update a file location mode  in a batch macro - you are replacing the full path to a table (ie fullpath|||Geography" in your example) with just fullpath --- unless you include the table in your outer workflow where you call your batch macro.

Note --- I haven't used Access in like 15-20 years and I don't use dynamic input so...

[WirkKarl]

Hey there,

I ran into this exact error before—it happens when the Dynamic Input tool doesn’t carry the table reference through during runtime, even if it works as the template. What’s likely going on is that the control parameter flow or file path substitution is happening before the tool has “seen” the actual table.

Here’s what helped in my case:

• Make sure the Control Parameter is connected to the Dynamic Input correctly, and action is set to replace the file path only.

• In the Dynamic Input configuration, under “Select Table,” choose the table once, then save that as your template—don’t reselect it each time.

• Sometimes launching the macro from a Container breaks the table link—try disabling containers or testing outside them.

Also double-check that each monthly Access file has the same table name and structure, or the Dynamic Input may fail to resolve it.

Hope this helps! Let me know how it goes and I’d be happy to walk through a sample workflow setup with you 😊

[Gaurav_Dhama_ · Accepted solution]

Correct, so there are two ways to do this,

1. Using action tool update the whole path in dynamic input tool, but make sure you add the table name along with the full path. Snip below.
   
2. Using action tool to replace only the file path leaving the table name as is. See snip below.
   This is the case when your table remains constant and only access file changes.
   
   Anyhow, why not use data input tool instead, since you are already using a batch macro.
   If you are using dynamic input tool, you can directly pass the file path to it, and it will read the file, without having to create a batch macro.

[Alma7 · Accepted solution]

@Gaurav_Dhama_  It works! Thank you :-)