Error: "Failed to authenticate" happens when using Python-based Connectors in Desktop Automation

[clarab]

Error: “Failed to authenticate” when running Python-based connectors in Desktop Automation/Scheduler

 

Environment Details

 

Running workflow containing Python-based connectors such as OneDrive, SharePoint, Google Drive in Desktop Automation/Scheduler fails with the following error:

 

Failed to authenticate

 

• Alteryx Designer
  • Version: All
• *Python-based Connectors 
  • Microsoft OneDrive
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Outlook 365
  • Google Drive
  • ServiceNow

*This is not an exhaustive list of connectors.

Screenshot of the error:

image.png

Another possible error as seen in ServiceNow connector:

image.png

Cause

The credential information kept in the tool is user encrypted. Running the workflow using a different user or local system account will not be able to decrypt it correctly and hence the error.
 

Resolution

Note that Desktop Automation/Scheduler does not support the use of Python-based connectors. Please consider the use of the Alteryx Server instead.

If you really do need to use the connectors in Desktop Automation/Scheduler, the workarounds can be one of the following:
1. Set the "run as a different user" in Alteryx System Settings to the user who creates the workflow containing the connector.

image.png

2. On the Desktop Automation/Scheduler machine, log on as the service account/user used in the "Run as a different user". Re-enter all the credentials information for the connector in the workflow and add it to the scheduler.

 

Additional Resources

• Configure Required Run As User Permissions