SharePoint 'Copy File' action does not replace existing file when 'If another file is already there' flag is set to 'Replace'

[RohanWadiwala]

Hi Team,

I'm trying to copy a excel file from one SharePoint library to a subfolder in the same library.

I want to make sure that if the file of similar name exist then it should get completely replaced by the file being copied.

Hence, in the  SharePoint 'Copy File' action I specified the 'Replace' flag for 'If another file is already there' property.

But now everytime I run the flow, instead of replacing the file the original files still persist.

have u experienced this issue before? If so how did you circumvent it.

Ps..

- I tried to delete the file using the 'Delete File' action before running the 'Copy' option, but it always gives me error saying the file is opened and cannot be deleted.

- The file is not opened by anyone else (as only I have access to it)  and in the error its mentioned its opened using my credentials. hence I suspect some issue with releasing control once copy operation is done. (not sure thoe)

[v-litu-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @RohanWadiwala,

There are serval tips about Excel file locked for editing.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/excel-file-is-locked-for-editing-by-another-user-6fa93887...

Generally, the Excel file will be locked after you edit it, if you want to delete them, you should wait about 10 minutes.

I tested on my side and find the Replace of the copy file action is not work temporary, as a workaround, I choose to delete the file then create a new one in the other folder with the same name by using original file content:

Best Regards,
Community Support Team _ Lin Tu
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