Output file error

I am using a workflow that we have had in place for over a year, with around 30 outputs to different tabs in the same excel file. For the last few weeks there has been an error with the majority of the outputs and the data is not being output to the excel file.

The error message is:

Error opening connect string: Microsoft Access Database Engine: The Mircrosoft Access database engine cannot open or write to the file. It is already opened exclusively by another user, or you need permission to view and write its data,.\3051 = -67568648

I have checked and the excel file is definitely not open or in use. The settings for all outputs are to an excel legacy file, 'delete data and append' and by field name.

I'd be really grateful if someone is able to help with this.

Thanks

Sofie

Output

Accepted answers

mcarrico

Sofie - the issue is that Alteryx is trying to simultaneously write to two sheets within the same Excel file, and thus is locking itself out. To solve this, utilize Block Until Done tools to control writing out to each of the sheets. An example is shown below.

Error:

Resolution:

If you have data coming from different streams within your workflow, I would recommend using the Parallel Block Until Done tool within the Crew Macro Pack.

Not sure what changed within your environment that you are suddenly getting this error, but any number of things (network speeds, processing power, data sizes, etc.) could contribute to simultaneous writes popping up. Hopefully this helps.

All comments

mcarrico

Error:

Resolution:

If you have data coming from different streams within your workflow, I would recommend using the Parallel Block Until Done tool within the Crew Macro Pack.

sofiewillmott

Thanks very much for your reply. I do already have the Block until done tool in place in my workflows... before every single output. They have been in place since I have been using the workflow so at least a year.

As far as I know nothing has changed with these tools recently. Any other ideas why these may not be working as they were previously?

Thanks

Sofie

block until done.PNG

kkhan003

Were you able to find an answer to this?

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