Unable to open file for write

[linlysergel]

On many of my workflows, I keep getting the "Unable to open for write [...] The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process (32)." when I try to write multiple tabs to the same Excel workbook.

I've tried strategically dropping my tools so that they all have sequential IDs, using the block until done tool (which I clearly don't know how to use properly), and even a parallel block on another workflow.  What am I doing wrong?

[ShankerV]

Hi @linlysergel 

I see you are trying to write the same file Contracts Package.

Where you have used 5 Block until done. Where all are trying to write the write the file at same time.

Thats why it is throwing the error.

[linlysergel]

Hey @ShankerV,

That makes sense, but I can't visualize how I would fix it since I can't do more than a single input on the Block tool and my attempt at a Parallel Block also failed.  Any ideas?

[ShankerV]

@linlysergel 

Trying to run the workflow to fix with alternative method, give me few seconds.

[frank_sanseri]

In order for Block Until Done (BUD) to actually block, you need to use the sequential outputs in the tool itself.  So your first action exits anchor 1, and the flow will wait until anchor 1 is done before initiating anchor 2.  Once anchor 2 is done, anchor 3 will start.  You can waterfall from each anchor on a BUD to another if you need to.  Using several individual tools like you've shown won't produce any blocking actions. 

Please be sure to mark this as solved if any of these answers work. 

[ShankerV · Accepted solution]

Hi @linlysergel 

Before:

After correction:

By this way, it will write the file first.

Then will do the Summarize and do the writing in the same file.

Requesting to do the same for all the block until done, when 2 nodes are used. You can use the 3rd node to connect to another Block until done to make the workflow running.

Like below:

Hope it helps!!!! Hope your issue is resolved. Feel free to mark helpful answers as a solution, so that future users with the same issue can find them easier!!!!

Many thanks

Shanker V

[linlysergel]

@ShankerV This makes so much more sense, thank you for the example!  It really helps to see it in on a workflow I've built versus one of the tool example/instruction workflows.

[ShankerV]

@linlysergel 

Glad my example helped, so used a live solution which will help, happy to support at any time

[VaishnaviGinni]

Hi Shanker,

Thanks for your help it is working with this logic.

Sorry I can't share my workflow because my company has restrictions on sharing.

Thanks and Regards

Reeta Gour

[PanPP]

Hi @VaishnaviGinni 

When using the Block Until Done tool, make sure the tool is dragged first onto the Designer canvas before dragging in the output tools.

When using the block until done tool, the order in which the tools are placed in the workflow matter.

Hope this helps! Please like the post if it does.