Error importing .txt file - file format is not valid

Question

Hey everyone,

I'm having trouble importing a fixed width .txt file. After dragging it into alteryx and choosing "Read it as a fixed width file" i get an error message saying "file format is not valid". When a colleague of mine tried to replicate the problem with the same file the error did not show. The only difference is that I'm based in Germany, he is operating out of the US, if that makes a difference.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

dlesny · Answer

Hello

I got the resolution to the problem. In my case it was Windows setting for  "Beta: Use Unicode UTF-8 for worldwide language support" checked.

Control Panel > Region > Administrative > Change System locale... and uncheck the Beta tick.

dlesny · Answer

Hello

I don't suppose you ever got to the bottom of that please?

I have the same issue now and swapping to csv would be a painful option.

MatthiasBE · Answer

Thanks for your quick reply. I'd still love to know why I cannot access the Flat File Layout box on my version of Alteryx when loading in this file and choosing fixed width. I do have layout specifications with titel, types and length of the columsn that I would like to apply but can't. Like I said, a colleague of mine doesn't have that problem with the exact same file.

Would you have any ides on that? Thanks in advance