can't send a file as attachment or link

[McGeary85]

Hi All,

Apologies if this has been asked before but I just can't find an exact match and I'm close to throwing my laptop out the window!

All I want to do is automatically send an email on a friday. It has to either, get a file from sharepoint as an attachment, or send a link to that file. I've managed to get a flow working where I receive the email but the file is not recognised or can't be opened.

Reason behind this is my line manager wants to see a powerpoint of what activities I've done during the week, and what I've got planned for the following one. I've created a powerpoint and stored it in sharepoint. As he's extremely lazy when he's not micro managing, he wants me to email it to him every friday. 

Please can someone tell me how to get this right as it would be one less headache from a demanding pain in the backside manager that I can automate and forget about.

[Anchov]

Hi @McGeary85,

Both scenarios can be accomplished (sending an attachment or sending a link). Could you provide more details or share the screenshots of your Flow and the error you're encountering? I'd be happy to help you troubleshoot and find a solution.

[McGeary85]

Thank you @Anchov - I really appreciate it.

Here is what my flow now looks like

I've tried fixing it but now I can't even get it back to how it was where I would get an email with a broken attachment. I think I need to start again from scratch.

[Anchov · Accepted solution]

I actually had some issues building a demo flow in the new "co-pilot" editor, so there might be a bug.  I was able to do this using the classic editor, no problem

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Rick Hurt

[McGeary85]

Brilliant! Many thanks! Has worked first time!

Follow up, where/how can I learn what any of those flow details actually mean? I'm obviously a complete newbie at power automate and really want to learn how to use it so i don't end up smashing my laptop on the floor. Main problem I have is with stuff like integers, variables, ID's, etc.

[Anchov]

Welcome to the world of Power Automate! There are tons of learning resources available to help you get started. Here are a couple of good places to begin:

1. Microsoft Learn: Power Automate
2. YouTube: There are many excellent and free videos about Power Automate for beginners. Some of my favorites include:
   • Reza Dorani's playlist: Reza Dorani
   • Shane Young's series: Shane Young

Feel free to explore these resources to enhance your Power Automate skills. Happy learning!

[McGeary85]

Many thanks @Anchov 

Unfortunately the solution isn't actually resolved. When I open the attachment it comes up with the attached error messages. Is this something in the flow or would it be an internal thing?

[Anchov]

I encountered a similar error when configuring the Flow using the new "Co-pilot" editor. It seems that the attachment was not added correctly through that editor and was corrupting the file.

Fortunately, I resolved the issue by reopening the flow in the 'classic' editor, reconfiguring the attachments, saving it, and then the attachment could be opened correctly.

If you require additional assistance, please attach screenshots of your attachment configuration, and I'll be happy to help further.

[McGeary85]

I don't seem to have that option

[McGeary85]

[Anchov]

It's odd that you're not seeing the classic editor. However, it appears that the new editor is wrapping your "Content Bytes" with a base64 function, which is unnecessary. Try removing the base64 function so that only File Content remains.

[McGeary85]

Have tried searching but can't see another editor anywhere...

Just tried deleting the base64 and it failed

[Anchov]

[McGeary85]

Tried editing it but said it's a read only editor, so had to delete the function, re-add Send an email (V2), then add that under advanced parameters, but the attachment then came through as this

[McGeary85]

just noticed it's automatically converting to the base 64 again

[Anchov]

Here's how to edit to remove the base64 function and fix the attachment in the new designer:

Finished:

Save and test your workflow

[Anchov]

A quick update, my "classic designer" button is hidden this morning like yours, but you can still switch to classic designer in the Edit mode of the flow:

[McGeary85]

Hi Anchov,

Sorry for the delay in replying, I've been off the last two days ill. Thankfully it seems I do have the option to switch to the classic designer!

Unfortunately though, I've tried the solution you provided and it seems to be converting it to base64 whilst it's saving. I've done exactly as you've said and once I've clicked Save it reverts back to base64. Really stumped with this?!