How to replace an existing file and rename it dynamically

Hello All,

So here i having 4 files in a directory. So one of the file name is Outstanding_TSE082QT_07-06-2020_4565. So i am following a business rules to prepare a data . So the final output needs to be overwrite in Outstanding_TSE082QT_07-06-2020_4565 where 07-06-2020_4565 need to be replaced by today's date,month,year and time.

I have attached my simplified task.

Please suggest.

Dynamically rename filename.yxmd

4-7-2020 8-29-42 PM.png

Accepted answers

DavidP

This is how you can delete the original file

Dynamically rename filename.yxmd

All comments

DavidP

If you are using a field such as [filename] to dynamically change the filename and sheetname of a file, use the option Change entire file path.

Of course, you have to then include the whole path in [filename].

DavidP

You could also bring through the fullpath from the Input Data tool and use a formula tool to replace the date part of it, as shown:

This process doesn't rename the file, it creates a new file with a new name. The old file will still be there. It you want to actually rename the file, you'll have to use the Run Command Tool to execute a DOS command.

Dynamically rename filename.yxmd

nazuk

So we can't replace an existing file having the same keyword(the static part in the file name)?

DavidP

It will only replace the file if you overwrite it using exactly the same filename, but since you're changing the filename by inserting the current data, a new file will be created and the old one will still be there.

nazuk

Understood. Thanks.

By the way, can i check with you that only the latest file should be kept, deleting the old file?

DavidP

This is how you can delete the original file

Dynamically rename filename.yxmd

mkankaria

I tried this solution and get a file with todays date successfully however the new file only contains the sheet I picked in the input selector (original file is a macro enabled file with multiple sheets in the workbook) and loses all the other sheets and existing formatting as well. Any suggestions?

DavidP

Hi @mkankaria

Can you please start a new Community conversation describing what you're trying to do. Feel free to reference this post and if you tag me with @DavidP I'll get a notification and can hopefully help you or if someone else gets there before me.

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