ErrorThe process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process. (32)

[yytwendy]

I'm getting the error: The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process. (32) when trying to output rows to a file in Alteryx Designer. The settings of the output data configuration is as follows:

I've tried the following method but not working:

1. No any other user is opening the file.

2. Unchecked the AMP engine in both Runtime setting and Options user setting.

3. Re-run the workflow several times.

4. Restart Alteryx

5. Restart the computer

6. Delete block until function

The error occurs by chance. Out of 10 runs, there might be 1 successful case.

Has anyone else encountered a similar issue to this and have any insights on how to fix this?

[apathetichell]

usually this is because you have two output data tools to the same file --- and they are getting in each others way... you can use a  batch macro where the output data tools work in succession (harder/always works) --- or block until done. which should work. --- you can use multiple block until dones to throttle key outputs.

[yytwendy]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I've checked the workflow and there is only 1 output data tools for 1 file. Are there any other possible reason for this case?

To supplement, the path I'm using is in the following format for each row : "Target file.xlsx|||'Sheet1$A1:D1'"

[binuacs]

One option, delete all the output files created and try again run the workflow, you said one output file  for one output tool, is that mean you have multiple otutput tools in your workflow for different files? 

[yytwendy]

I’ve tried deleting the files but still the error occurs by chance. (For some times, there’s no error, but other times the same)

Yes, there are several output data tool for different files. I tried deleting the extra output data tool and only keep one in the workflow just now, but it still shows the same error message

[Raj]

@yytwendy 
try using block until done tools where required 
as data might be splitting before writing 
This should solve the issue
else you can add the flow with sample data, will be in better position to help.

[binuacs]

I was able to recreate the issue. The root cause seems to be related to writing directly to a specific range in Excel (e.g., Sheet1$A1:D23). When Alteryx writes to only part of a sheet like this, it creates a temporary structure that Excel doesn’t fully recognize, which leads to the message: “This file has been renamed. We recommend saving it now to get the new name.”

This is a known Excel behaviour that typically occurs when a file is programmatically created or altered in a way that doesn't match Excel’s internal structure expectations.

recommendations
Only use specific ranges (e.g., Sheet1$A1:D23) if absolutely necessary.

Prefer writing to the full sheet instead (e.g., Sheet1) to avoid this issue.

Use the Block Until Done tool to control the sequence of output writes.

Make sure the same Excel file is not being written to by multiple Output tools simultaneously.

After running the workflow, wait a few seconds before opening the Excel file to ensure it has fully written and closed.

I’ve created a sample workflow that works for me. Feel free to test it — just be sure to close Excel while running the workflow and give it a moment before reopening the output file.