cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Reply
Australia
Post Patron
Post Patron

Upload files to a website in a loop?

Hi fellow Power Automate Desktop veterans,

 

Is there a way that I can use Power Automate Desktop to upload files to a website?

 

Here's the steps in writing:

1. All files to be uploaded are saved in a SharePoint Document Library. Or I can download them to my PC as local files, if required.

The library structure is as follows:

My Document Library  (500+ files in total)

>

X1230.xls

X1231.xls

X1232.xls

...
   >SubFolder X1233

X1233_1.xls

X1233_2.xls

...

   >SubFolder X1234

X1234_1.xls

X1234_2.xls

...

X1235.xls

...

Each file name contains the unique file number e.g. X1233.xls

 

2. Go to the website where I want to upload the file(s) to an intranet

3. Search and open record using the unique file number X1233

Australia_1-1632484771850.png

4. Enter file name: '2020 Report'   (this is a fixed value for all file)

5. Click  File to upload (choose File X1233.xls)

6. Select type of File: Option 1 (this is a fixed option)

7. Click the 'Upload' button to upload file

8. Repeat the steps above for all other files in a loop until each file has been uploaded.

 

Many thanks.

 

9 REPLIES 9
VJR
Multi Super User
Multi Super User

HI @Australia 

 

PAD does have the capability to do the steps you have described, so it appears doable. 

Perhaps you can start and if stuck anywhere you can post with screenshots if faced with an issue.

 






-------------------------------------------
Help fellow beings find relevant posts.
Upvote to a supporting response.
Mark as solution to an answer.

@VJR thanks for the reply.

I'd like to get some ideas from veterans like you, how would you start a project like this?

Would you download everything to my PC and manually fix the file names so they have the same naming convention?

 

How should I tackle step 2 and beyond? Do you use the Record button in PAD and use a .csv to start the loop like iMacro or Selenium?

 

Cheers,

VJR
Multi Super User
Multi Super User

Hi @Australia 

 

Until you provide an answer to the other post about the right tool you want to use, lets start from Step 2.

 

Whether you downloaded the files manually or automatically via Cloud Flow Sharepoint connector, in either case lets assume you have the files saved in one folder with valid names.

 

You can get started by placing 2-3 files manually in some folder having correct names.

 

Before you start the mentioned steps go through the below video links in sequence.

That will give full clarity on how and what needs to be done.

Power Automate Desktop : Automation With UI Elements

Extract data from web page | Web Data Extraction | Part 1

Web Form Filling - Textbox, Dropdown, RadioButton, Checkbox Part 2

 

 

 

1. Get Files from folder Video

2. Launch your website in a browser (explained in above video links)

2. Use Loop action to go through each file in that folder

3. Perform below steps (explained in above video links)

  1.  Search and open record using the unique file number X1233 (file details from variable inside the loopVJR_0-1632628088084.png
  2. Enter file name: '2020 Report'   (this is a fixed value for all file)
  3. Click  File to upload (choose File X1233.xls)
  4. Select type of File: Option 1 (this is a fixed option)
  5. Click the 'Upload' button to upload file

          

4. Use "Go to Webpage" action to go back to the same url .

Since you are already inside the loop, the steps from 3 will automatically run one after another.

 

When the loop is complete all the files will have been uploaded.

 

 






-------------------------------------------
Help fellow beings find relevant posts.
Upvote to a supporting response.
Mark as solution to an answer.

 

 

VJR
Multi Super User
Multi Super User

By loop I mean the "For each" to iterate through files in folder

 

VJR_0-1632646335649.png

I have used .txt. It will be .xls in your case

Also I have used Display Message just to show you the file name displayed. You can at first try this just to see how it is picking the names in the folder.

 

I have below files in a folder

VJR_2-1632646481857.png

 

Click the yellow button to select current item

 

VJR_1-1632646457639.png

 

This will display all files one after the another in a loop inside a message box.

VJR_3-1632646624949.png

 






-------------------------------------------
Help fellow beings find relevant posts.
Upvote to a supporting response.
Mark as solution to an answer.

Hi @VJR,

 

I've started working on my very first RAD project following the videos you gave me. 🙂 

It has been quite fun. 🙂 Kindly see below where I am up to.

I unfortunately still don't quite get the Loop concept and please be patient with me.

Where would you recommend to insert the Loop function in my incidence and how do I search the file name in a loop?

Australia_0-1632724156435.png

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks again,

VJR
Multi Super User
Multi Super User

Hi @Australia 

 

Use the sequence of steps in my post above. 

 

1. Get Files from folder Video

2. Launch your website in a browser (explained in above video links)

 Use "For each" action here to go through each file in that folder as shown in above post.

 

3. Perform below steps (explained in above video links)

  1.  Search and open record using the unique file number X1233 (file details from variable inside the loopVJR_0-1632729739773.png

     

  2. Enter file name: '2020 Report'   (this is a fixed value for all file)
  3. Click  File to upload (choose File X1233.xls)
  4. Select type of File: Option 1 (this is a fixed option)
  5. Click the 'Upload' button to upload file

          

4. Use "Go to Webpage" action to go back to the same url .

Since you are already inside the loop, the steps from 3 will automatically run one after another.

 

When the loop is complete all the files will have been uploaded.

Hi @VJR,


I think I have finally completed the process and I feel I am almost there.

But issues I still encounter:

1. Unable to select the desired file name and file in a loop - currently both are fixed value.

See Step 7 and Step 17

2. Unable to upload a file due to a.) 'Choose File' button appears to be an image, b.) a pop up window and c.) a pop up message

See Steps 16-21

 

Could you please guide me to the end of the tunnel?

 

My flow:

flow1.jpg

Step 7 - how to open record by searching file name in a loop - X1230, X1231 ....

 

Australia_1-1632751559287.png

Step 16 - 'Choose File' appears to be an image because 'Press a button' was not found if I chose to use UI or Web Automation 


flow2.jpg

Step 17-21  Pop up window occurs

 

flow3.jpg

open window.jpg

Step 17 - To select the file for upload. (A pop up window after clicking the 'Choose File' image/button?)
Step 18 - to click the 'Open'

 

 

 

popupOK.jpg

This is the Pop up window after selecting the file to upload (step 21)

 

 

Your help is greatly appreciated.

VJR
Multi Super User
Multi Super User

Hi @Australia 

 

For No 1. Unable to select the desired file name and file in a loop - currently both are fixed value.

 

If you need the full path of the file there, then use %CurrentItem%
But if you need only the filename then use %CurrentItem.Name%

 

If you scroll to my posts above this is the part where I explained how to get each file in folder

Click the yellow button to select %CurrentItem%. You will find %CurrentItem.Name% under the same yellow button

 

(Below is just an example of Display Message)

VJR_0-1632805294143.png

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For 2. Unable to upload a file due to a.) 'Choose File' button appears to be an image, b.) a pop up window and c.) a pop up message

 

Firstly don't forget to add Wait actions between all  other actions

Use 2 to 3 seconds or depending upon the speed you are seeing.

We should give it some time to complete one action and to go onto the other.

 

VJR_2-1632805557654.png

 

 

If this is a web application right click on that image and click Inspect. See which html element does it show, image or button or something else.

VJR_3-1632805826920.png

 

For the Ok button and the Open button you will need to detect and add them as an UI element same as the other elements and click on them. It requires some playing around too with the selectors of the UI element. Ticking one and unticking the other and so forth.

 






-------------------------------------------
Help fellow beings find relevant posts.
Upvote to a supporting response.
Mark as solution to an answer.

Identity47
New Member

Hi @Australia 

 

I do not know if you ever got your PAD workflow to actually function as intended. 

I tried to do something similar where I had to upload pictures from my desktop to a Facebook chat message.

 

Instead of using the press button in window function, I used the Send Mouse Click function, as I was unable to get the Press button in window function to actually press the button (it did navigate to the right location, but it just did not press the button in the Facebook chat window - might be due to the way the Facebook chat buttons work, and not the Press button function malfunctioning)

 

For the reiteration through all of the files, I used:

1) Get files in folder (inserted before the loop - so it creates an index of the relevant files)

2) For each loop (for each current item in the folder (the variable from the get files function))

a) insert the relevant Press button or Send Mouse click functions to get the dialog box where you need to input the file name

b) Use the Send Keys function and insert the %Currentitem% variable as the text to insert. 

 

Then the workflow should insert a text consisting of:

Folder path\file name

 

----

 

Anyway, I just thought that I would share it in case you have not yet gotten your workflow to function properly or in case anybody else could use it for a workflow. 

Helpful resources

Announcements

Back to Basics: Tuesday Tip #1: All About YOUR Community Account

We are excited to kick off our new #TuesdayTIps series, "Back to Basics." This weekly series is our way of helping the amazing members of our community--both new members and seasoned veterans--learn and grow in how to best engage in the community! Each Tuesday, we will feature new areas of content that will help you best understand the community--from ranking and badges to profile avatars, from Super Users to blogging in the community. Our hope is that this information will help each of our community members grow in their experience with Power Platform, with the community, and with each other!     This Week's Tips: Account Support: Changing Passwords, Changing Email Addresses or Usernames, "Need Admin Approval," Etc.Wondering how to get support for your community account? Check out the details on these common questions and more. Just follow the link below for articles that explain it all.Community Account Support - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com)   All About GDPR: How It Affects Closing Your Community Account (And Why You Should Think Twice Before You Do)GDPR, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), took effect May 25th 2018. A European privacy law, GDPR imposes new rules on companies and other organizations offering goods and services to people in the European Union (EU), or that collect and analyze data tied to EU residents. GDPR applies no matter where you are located, and it affects what happens when you decide to close your account. Read the details here:All About GDPR - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com)   Getting to Know You: Setting Up Your Community Profile, Customizing Your Profile, and More.Your community profile helps other members of the community get to know you as you begin to engage and interact. Your profile is a mirror of your activity in the community. Find out how to set it up, change your avatar, adjust your time zone, and more. Click on the link below to find out how:Community Profile, Time Zone, Picture (Avatar) & D... - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com)   That's it for this week. Tune in for more Tuesday Tips next Tuesday and join the community as we get "Back to Basics."

Announcing the MPPC's Got Power Talent Show at #MPPC23

Are you attending the Microsoft Power Platform Conference 2023 in Las Vegas? If so, we invite you to join us for the MPPC's Got Power Talent Show!      Our talent show is more than a show—it's a grand celebration of connection, inspiration, and shared journeys. Through stories, skills, and collective experiences, we come together to uplift, inspire, and revel in the magic of our community's diverse talents. This year, our talent event promises to be an unforgettable experience, echoing louder and brighter than anything you've seen before.    We're casting a wider net with three captivating categories:  Demo Technical Solutions: Show us your Power Platform innovations, be it apps, flows, chatbots, websites or dashboards... Storytelling: Share tales of your journey with Power Platform. Hidden Talents: Unveil your creative side—be it dancing, singing, rapping, poetry, or comedy. Let your talent shine!    Got That Special Spark? A Story That Demands to Be Heard? Your moment is now!  Sign up to Showcase Your Brilliance: https://aka.ms/MPPCGotPowerSignUp  Deadline for submissions: Thursday, Sept 28th    How It Works:  Submit this form to sign up: https://aka.ms/MPPCGotPowerSignUp  We'll contact you if you're selected. Get ready to be onstage!  The Spotlight is Yours: Each participant has 3-5 minutes to shine, with insightful commentary from our panel of judges. We’re not just giving you a stage; we’re handing you the platform to make your mark.     Be the Story We Tell: Your talents and narratives will not just entertain but inspire, serving as the bedrock for our community’s future stories and successes.    Celebration, Surprises, and Connections: As the curtain falls, the excitement continues! Await surprise awards and seize the chance to mingle with industry experts, Microsoft Power Platform leaders, and community luminaries. It's not just a show; it's an opportunity to forge connections and celebrate shared successes.    Event Details:  Date and Time: Wed Oct 4th, 6:30-9:00PM   Location: MPPC23 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV, USA  

September User Group Success Story: Reading Dynamics 365 & Power Platform User Group

The Reading Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Group is a community-driven initiative that started in September 2022. It has quickly earned recognition for its enthusiastic leadership and resilience in the face of challenges. With a focus on promoting learning and networking among professionals in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform ecosystem, the group has grown steadily and gained a reputation for its commitment to its members!   The group, which had its inaugural event in January 2023 at the Microsoft UK Headquarters in Reading, has since organized three successful gatherings, including a recent social lunch. They maintain a regular schedule of four events per year, each attended by an average of 20-25 enthusiastic participants who enjoy engaging talks and, of course, pizza.   The Reading User Group's presence is primarily spread through LinkedIn and Meetup, with the support of the wider community. This thriving community is managed by a dedicated team consisting of Fraser Dear, Tim Leung, and Andrew Bibby, who serves as the main point of contact for the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups.   Andrew Bibby, an active figure in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform community, nominated this group due to his admiration for the Reading UK User Group's efforts. He emphasized their remarkable enthusiasm and success in running the group, noting that they navigated challenges such as finding venues with resilience and smiles on their faces. Despite being a relatively new group with 20-30 members, they have managed to achieve high attendance at their meetings.   The group's journey began when Fraser Dear moved to the Reading area and realized the absence of a user group catering to professionals in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform space. He reached out to Andrew, who provided valuable guidance and support, allowing the Reading User Group to officially join the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups community.   One of the group's notable achievements was overcoming the challenge of finding a suitable venue. Initially, their "home" was the Microsoft UK HQ in Reading. However, due to office closures, they had to seek a new location with limited time. Fortunately, a connection with Stephanie Stacey from Microsoft led them to Reading College and its Institute of Technology. The college generously offered them event space and support, forging a mutually beneficial partnership where the group promotes the Institute and encourages its members to support the next generation of IT professionals.   With the dedication of its leadership team, the Reading Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Group is poised to continue growing and thriving! Their story exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives and the positive impact they can have on professional development and networking in the tech industry. As they move forward with their upcoming events and collaborations with Reading College, the group is likely to remain a valuable resource for professionals in the Reading area and beyond.  

A Celebration of What We've Achieved--And Announcing Our Winners

As the sun sets on the #SummerofSolutions Challenge, it's time to reflect and celebrate! The journey we embarked upon together was not just about providing answers – it was about fostering a sense of community, encouraging collaboration, and unlocking the true potential of the Power Platform tools.   From the initial announcement to the final week's push, the Summer of Solutions Challenge has been a whirlwind of engagement and growth. It was a call to action for every member of our Power Platform community, urging them to contribute their expertise, engage in discussions, and elevate collective knowledge across the community as part of the low-code revolution.   Reflecting on the Impact As the challenge ends, it's essential to reflect on the impact it’s had across our Power Platform communities: Community Resilience: The challenge demonstrated the resilience of our community. Despite geographical distances and diverse backgrounds, we came together to contribute, learn, and collaborate. This resilience is the cornerstone of our collective strength.Diverse Expertise: The solutions shared during the challenge underscore the incredible expertise within our community. From intricate technical insights to creative problem-solving, our members showcased their diverse skill sets, enhancing our community's depth.Shared Learning: Solutions spurred shared learning. They provided opportunities for members to grasp new concepts, expand their horizons, and uncover the Power Platform tools' untapped potential. This learning ripple effect will continue to shape our growth. Empowerment: Solutions empowered community members. They validated their knowledge, boosted their confidence, and highlighted their contributions. Each solution shared was a step towards personal and communal empowerment. We are proud and thankful as we conclude the Summer of Solutions Challenge. The challenge showed the potential of teamwork, the benefit of knowledge-sharing, and the resilience of our Power Platform community. The solutions offered by each member are more than just answers; they are the expression of our shared commitment to innovation, growth, and progress!     Drum roll, Please... And now, without further ado, it's time to announce the winners who have risen above the rest in the Summer of Solutions Challenge!   These are the top community users and Super Users who have not only earned recognition but have become beacons of inspiration for us all.   Power Apps Community:  Community User Winner: @SpongYe Super User Winner: Pending Acceptance Power Automate Community:  Community User Winner: @trice602 Super User Winner: @Expiscornovus  Power Virtual Agents Community: Community User Winner: Pending AcceptanceSuper User: Pending Acceptance Power Pages Community: Community User Winner: @OOlashyn Super User Winner: @ChristianAbata   We are also pleased to announced two additional tickets that we are awarding to the Overall Top Solution providers in the following communities:    Power Apps: @LaurensM   Power Automate: @ManishSolanki    Thank you for making this challenge a resounding success. Your participation has reaffirmed the strength of our community and the boundless potential that lies within each of us. Let's keep the spirit of collaboration alive as we continue on this incredible journey in Power Platform together.Winners, we will see you in Vegas! Every other amazing solutions superstar, we will see you in the Community!Congratulations, everyone!

September featured user group leader

 Ayonija Shatakshi, a seasoned senior consultant at Improving, Ohio, is a passionate advocate for M365, SharePoint, Power Platform, and Azure, recognizing how they synergize to deliver top-notch solutions. Recently, we asked Ayonija to share her journey as a user group leader, shedding light on her motivations and the benefits she's reaped from her community involvement.      Ayonija embarked on her role as a user group leader in December 2022, driven by a desire to explore how the community leveraged various Power Platform components. When she couldn't find a suitable local group, she decided to create one herself!    Speaking about the impact of the community on her professional and personal growth, Ayonija says, "It's fascinating to witness how everyone navigates the world of Power Platform, dealing with license constraints and keeping up with new features. There's so much to learn from their experiences.:        Her favorite aspect of being a user group leader is the opportunity to network and engage in face-to-face discussions with fellow enthusiasts, fostering deeper connections within the community. Offering advice to budding user group leaders, Ayonija emphasized the importance of communication and consistency, two pillars that sustain any successful community initiative.      When asked why she encourages others to become user group leaders, Ayonija said, "Being part of a user group is one of the best ways to connect with experienced professionals in the same field and glean knowledge from them. If there isn't a local group, consider starting one; you'll soon find like-minded individuals."      Her highlight from the past year as a user group leader was witnessing consistent growth within the group, a testament to the thriving community she has nurtured. Advocating for user group participation, Ayonija stated, "It's the fastest route to learning from the community, gaining insights, and staying updated on industry trends."   Check out her group: Cleveland Power Platform User Group

An MPPC23 Invitation from Charles Lamanna, CVP of Microsoft Business Applications & Platform

Hear from Corporate Vice President for Microsoft Business Applications & Platform, Charles Lamanna, as he looks ahead to the second annual Microsoft Power Platform Conference from October 3rd-5th 2023 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.Have you got your tickets yet? Register today at www.powerplatformconf.com  

Top Solution Authors
Users online (5,905)