Output tool not actually outputting data

[D_Y]

Hi there

I'm encountering an issue in which the Output tool I have at the end of my workflow isn't actually outputting any data once I go into the file and check. 

I am asking the Output tool to overwrite a certain sheet in a .xls file based on some data manipulation done previously in the same workflow.

However, even though I see the updated data correctly within the Results window inside Alteryx (when clicking on the tool immediately before the Output tool), the Output tool doesn't seem to be overwriting the sheet I told it to.   

[atcodedog05]

Hi @D_Y 

Can you provide snapshot of the output tool config and data before it.

[D_Y]

Hi @atcodedog05 

Unfortunately I can't share the actual workflow due to data confidentiality, however I did re-create a small example of what I was trying to do. 

Using just a Text Input and Output tool, similar to the real use case, the Output tool successfully shows the results in the results window.

However, upon opening the file (Test.xls), it appears that the data went into a sheet called Sheet11 instead of Sheet1 which I designated in the Output tool.

Not sure if this matters, but I'm writing to a shared drive location.  

[atcodedog05]

Hi @D_Y 

This is a limitation/issue with .xls. You can try the below option.

Workflow:

Hope this helps : )

[D_Y]

@atcodedog05 is the only thing you did changing the Output option to Delete Data and Append? Still encountering the issue of the Output tool not actually outputting the updated data.  

[atcodedog05]

Hi @D_Y 

Can you provide a sample workflow where you are facing the issue.

[D_Y]

Hi @atcodedog05 

I found out that the issue isn't with output tool, it's with the underlying xls file that doesn't appear to be overwriting the existing data. Essentially, the new data is being placed underneath the old data instead of the old data being overwritten. I'll start a new thread to ask if anyone's encountered this before.