How to create a flow which create files with dynamics filename MS Flow Sharepoint

[nickas]

Hello,

I would like to ask how to create a flow which creates files in Sharepoint within dynamics filename if that file already exists in the Sharepoint?

Not replacing existing file but create a new file with a different filename. For example, once file was created with a filename a.xls secondly same file creation should use a1 or a2022-04-22-10 am etc. filename is dynamic. What solutions will be?

[GeorgiosG]

Hi @nickas 

First step is to check if the file with the name already exists in SharePoint. You can use Get items (properties only) and use the Filter Query. Afterwards you can check the length of the value to be greater than 0.

length(outputs('Get_files_(properties_only)')?['body/value'])

If yes, you can think about using the timestamp of today, like you mentioned in your post, into your filename. 

 with the formula: 

concat(formatDateTime(utcNow(),'yyyy-MM-dd h:mm tt'),variables('fileName'))

I recommend using something more unique or a random number:

concat(rand(0,1000),variables('fileName'))

[nickas]

Not works for me. I have tried like this:

[GeorgiosG]

Can you please share the error?

[nickas]

Not error but secondly when I run flow seems same file is being replaced, I expected to get same file within a different filename but now I have got replacing or sometimes no action. Seems something is wrong with my flow.

[GeorgiosG]

Can you check the run history for your tests ?  How are your file names for each test ? Which unique names are you using, Timestamp ? Can you please share the format date time expression

[nickas]

formatDateTime(utcNow(),'dd-MM-yyyy'). I used this format but no prefix appeared in the filename.

[GeorgiosG]

Two points

1. When you Test always with the same attachment and same file, it cannot work because all your tests are today. Better use the minutes as well or seconds

2. Try using concat in the Create action File name property: 

instead of variables(‘filename’) use your attachment variable. 

concat(formatDateTime(utcNow(),'yyyy-MM-dd h:mm tt'),variables('fileName'))

[nickas]

The inputs of workflow run action 'Compose' of type 'Compose' are not valid. The variable 'fileName' must be initialized before it can be used inside action 'Compose'. Getting error. 

[GeorgiosG]

Seems like you don’t have the variable fileName initialized. And you don’t have to do it. You have to replace the variable(‘fileName’) with your Attachments Name variable like you have done it before. 

maybe get rid of the compose action. You can paste the concat function directly in FileName in the Create File action. 

[GeorgiosG]

Could you please try the following (assuming that you apply to each has the name “Apply to each”

concat(formatDateTime(utcNow(),'yyyy-MM-dd h:mm tt'),items('Apply_to_each')?['name'])

[nickas]

Yes, I have tried but still file is just replacing no dynamic filename. Seems as before flow updates, nothing changed.

[GeorgiosG]

Have you checked the run history in order to see what the flow was doing and which file names he used ? Cane your provide some date like file name of a run from the history ? 

[nickas]

Yes I have checked. Test didn't finish, file was created but nothing more.

[GeorgiosG]

Can you send a screenshot of your flow please ?

What is the file name of the created file ?

[nickas]

Copy of Helsinki_historical prices.xls that name doesn't change. 

  

[GeorgiosG]

Can you copy out the text from the File Name text box. 

Clear the text Box and click with the mouse into it and go on the pop up to expression.

Paste the function in here and select "ok"

[nickas]

Nothing changed. Still same file with same filename.

[GeorgiosG]

Hmm I am really not sure what is going on there. Can you add an Compose action right before the Create file action and insert there the same expression as for file name. 

then do a test run again and check in the history what value the compose action has. Like you have done earlier today. 

[nickas]

I found error in flow: 

Maybe it cause something?