Getting error The file is locked for shared use by when updating the file properties

[neeraj_bharati]

Using Microsoft Flow, I am trying to set default value in a metadata column "Column_1" from a sharepoint OOTB "Created By" column whenever a new item created in a document library. Document library has certain content types associated so when I create a new document by choosing a content type, the Office online opens the document in Edit mode. 

I am getting below error when I try to update column "Column_1" using "Update file properties" action

Error 423: The file <filename.xlsx> is locked for shared use by <email id>. clientRequestId:<xxx> serviceRequestId:<xxx>

How can I check the status of the file if locked or not? Any help is much appreciated. 

[JimmyWork]

We did something like this, check if the file is locked, send an email to the user that has the file locked, check again after x amount of time, do this 3 times then fail and send email why it failed to the user.

[PowerSA]

I'm using this solution:

Power Automate – Avoiding “File Locked For Shared Use” Failing Your Workflow - Thrive (thrivenextgen...

If the file is opend by another user (or yourself) and not closed, then this is not a solution as will fail anyway. But if you configure the settings to wait long enough (maby more that one day) then the chance of success is there 🙂

[Anonymous]

As I noted here:  link
You use the out-of-the-box API to check if the file is locked or not, then move forward.   If the file is locked, loop again...

https://abc.sharepoint.com/sites/somesite/subsite/_api/Web/lists/getbytitle('Library%20Name')/items(123)/File/LockedByUser 

123 is the ID of the item you want to check.

If you are creating a document archival workflow, sure, you can wait for days, but most of the business-related workflows I've ever dealt with are time sensitive.

[Anonymous_Hippo]

@Talyorlak Simple and awesome solution ! thank you for sharing

[SomeoneAwesome]

Is Microsoft working on a better solution to this? The files I'm currently working with are time sensitive, could two connections solve the issue? i.e open with one account and update with another removing the file lock?

[Anonymous]

Is Microsoft working on what?  File locking is baked into SP for a reason, and has been around for many years and versions.

In your flow, add a check to see if the file is locked, if yes, loop... There are plenty of examples on this forum and the web.

You don't have to wait hours or days for the file to be unlocked.

[SomeoneAwesome]

I know how to loop the file.. I want a solution where the excel can be opened instantly and the information in the table used straight away. If you must pry a company i work for is sent test results that are time sensitive, i want them to be on Sharepoint the minute they get the email. Im not the only one. Sorry to Ask pal, go for a walk.

[Anonymous]

I just got back from a walk, and guess what, Microsoft still hasn't fixed a decade old problem.

In all seriousness, try opening a Premier Support ticket and you might get a better answer.

[NishiLavu]

Hi,

I am stuck with the same requirement and same error, any help on this will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much.

[Anonymous]

There's no fix available, only a workaround.

Try thinking about your flow logic differently. 
Instead of:
File is updated --> Send email with link

Try something like:
File is updated --> check if files is locked --> Locked --> Loop until lock is released  --> Send email
                                                                   --> Not locked --> Send email

Checking if the file is locked is easy and is noted in my previous post:  
Re: Getting error The file is locked for shared us... - Page 3 - Power Platform Community (microsoft...

[russoedu]

Also having a similar issue, but in my case, I run an Office Script right after the file is uploaded.

In this Child flow I was trying to update the properties in a loop, trying every 15 seconds.

After I put the checkout / discard checkout, it's always working on the first attempt (it used to take 20).

[GerryBrimacombe]

I am running into a similar issue, but slightly different.

I am using a Button Flow to process an Excel file and load it into a list. 

When the Excel data is successfully loaded into the list, I want to update a Status metadata field to LOADED. Of course that Status field is part of the Excel fiel COOntent type.

No sweat, right?

But I am consistently getting the file is locked by me (the person running the Flow). I have added the loop as recommended by @PowerSA  above, and also detailed in this article. That works, but it takes about 6 minutes for the Flow to recognize the file as unlocked.  

I love the idea of CANCEL CHECK-OUT by @russoedu , but I am getting an error "FILE IS NOT CHECKED OUT". What am I missing? I tried to check it out before my Get Excel Data From Table" action, but i get the same "FILE LOCKED" condition. Can I get the data without locking the file, or by locking it briefly and then unlocking?

Thank you,

Gerry

[Marianr99]

Hello 🙂

Did you find any solution?

Thank you 

[steve_hendy]

This works Chris 1234 see previous thread he wrote on page 2 of replies.

[Marianr99]

Thank you so much!

[sarizvi]

The flow must wait out till the file is locked. To do this Create a Do Until with a 30 seconds delay to loop until the file is not locked.

Steps

1. Initialize a Variable ‘File Locked’ as Boolean
2. Create a Do Until Loop to check a variable ‘File Locked’ = false
3. Inside the loop
   1. Add a 30 Seconds Delay
   2. Get file properties
   3. Set Variable File Locked to Get File Properties >> Checked Out

[steve_hendy]

That will timeout after 5000 loops of do until. 42 hours.

[sarizvi]

Yes, but:
1. Normally no one keeps the file open for 42 hours

2. in case of an exception, we can create a counter and terminate after 4999 loops.

However, the solution should work of almost all usual cases
1. File Created from Template using "New >> Content Type" menu (this is where most of the challenges arise)
2. File uploaded

[steve_hendy]

On a Friday evening, most don't work weekends 😀