Need to remove default value on Text Input drop-down list of options in For a selected file trigger.

[AntoinetteB]

I want to set the Approval Type Drop-down list of options to no default value, and I can't figure it out and can't find any solutions through Googling for answers.  

I have a workaround where if they leave SELECT in there instead of picking another option it sends them an error email and Terminate/cancels the flow.  But I don't want that.  I tried leaving the first option field blank (where is shows SELECT) but that Failed the flow and threw and error that the first option "" cannot be blank.  I did NOT make the field optional, so it's required but it's defaulting a value in there.

What I want is the Approval Type to default blank so when they press the Run Flow button without selecting an option, the Approval Type box will be outlined in red with Approval Type is required appearing below the box.  

I looked in the three-dot menu under settings and the only thing I see that might help is Trigger Conditions, but I've never used that and I can't find any info on what I would put in there. 

Anyway though, when there is a drop-down box shouldn't there be an easy way to state whether or not you want default value?  Even SharePoint columns allow this.  It shouldn't be this hard to figure out.  {{sigh}}

[PrasadAthalye]

Here is how you can do it...

• Keep first option as empty.
• Then select  Make this field optional. This way you can trigger flow without selecting anything l

[AntoinetteB]

It is absolutely imperative that no one ever trigger the flow without selecting anything.  They MUST make an Approval Type selection as that action is the entire point of the flow.  Therefore, setting the field to Optional would not work.  

What I am needing help with is how to stop the required field from pre-filling with the first value.  I want to clear out any default values of that Approval Type required field.  Thank you.

[PrasadAthalye]

Ok. Thanks for the details. Just convert it to required field with the same exact configuration mentioned above. First value will be empty and it should look like below... If user selects first value which is empty, user can not proceed. Moment they select a choice, they can. Hope this helps.

[AntoinetteB]

I already tried what you are suggesting before I posted this question and it does not work.  As I stated:  

"I tried leaving the first option field blank (where is shows SELECT) but that Failed the flow and threw and error that the first option "" cannot be blank.  I did NOT make the field optional, so it's required but it's defaulting a value in there."

How were you able to leave the "Enter first option" field blank in the Drop-down list without getting the same error message as I did?  It's forcing me to put in a first option so that no matter what I put the first option prefills.

This is my whole problem.  If it was working for me how you describe, then I would never have had the question. 🙂

Adding and edit to the reply:  I am going to go in later today and see if I can redo that connector from scratch.  I hate to do it because it's my first action in the flow so I'm going to have to go all through and repoint to the Select ID in all my other actions, but if it is working that way for you it should also be working that way for me.  Thanks.

[PrasadAthalye · Accepted solution]

Here are the steps that I did. It might help to diagnose...

• Selected trigger "For a Selected Item"
• Provide Site URL and List Name.
• Clicked 'Add Input' and selected Text
• Entered 'Approval Type' as Name of the parameter
• Clicked ellipse and Selected Add dropdown options
• Entered First Option as Sequential
• Entered Second Option as Parallel
• Now using Cut paste, removed first option sequential and added it as third option.
• Saved the flow.

Hope this helps.

[AntoinetteB]

Hello, I did exactly what you are describing.  I even did a cut to remove option 1 and paste to place it into the option 3 spot.  I still get that error but not when I save the flow, only when I run it.  I am figuring switching back and forth between optional and required just messed up the "For a Selected Item" trigger.  No idea why/how though.

After 3 more tries doing exactly what you said I gave up, saved a copy of the entire thing, and deleted the "For a Selected Item" trigger and added a new one, then repointed all my actions to the new "For a Selected Item" ID.  Painful, but it does work now!  Thank you!