Changing Download Path in Chrome

[naveed_raza]

Hi All,

We have an automation which exports the data to excel file and we have to save that file in specific folder and for that we are getting the Save As popup and popup will have default download folder path always and that is a temporary profile download path and if we change the download folder path manually , post that if we reboot the bot then profile setting is getting reset as part of company policy.

And we want to change the folder path and Is there any way we can change the download folder path before launching the browser using any way like Vb.Net, Power Shell or any better way ?

we dont want to use the Save As open object as Windows mode as sometimes whats happening is , whenever we enter the entire file path where we want to save in file textbox on Save As Window , then its saving the file , however when we open the file its showing file is corrupted.

[ldickin]

Hi @naveed_raza - When we converted from Internet Explorer to Edge this was something my company implemented within our VDI settings and I believe it is set within the browser policy.  You might need to look into how to adjust this within your company policy if you want a different default download folder.  

Another option to consider is downloading to the default folder and then moving the file to the correct folder.  This might avoid any policy changes

[naveed_raza]

As per our company policy , they can't set download folder path for different teams , here we have around 10+ units and each unit has their own RPA team , RPA COE team is not setting policy for each unit , due to this they are keeping generic policy.

here , in VDIs they creating a temporary file , sometimes domain gets changed and due to that default path always will not have same and we are thinking to change to the user profile download path.

its very easy to change using Selenium before launch 

Regards,

Mohammad Naveed

[SayeedBinAbdullah]

Hi @naveed_raza ,

May be it is failing because you are trying open a partially downloaded file.

Try adding a wait stage before opening a file which you downloaded using Save As window.

Best Regards,

Sayeed Bin Abdullah 

[naveed_raza]

No.. we tested in debug mode , Save As Window its saving the file and after that manually we checked by opening the file, 

When we are passing entire full file path in file textbox and clicking on save , then only its corrupting the file , 

When we just directly click on save button then its saving file perfectly and its opening fine also, thats why we are looking to update the download folder path

[simone.tomaCNH]

Hi,

I'm not sure if I’ve fully understood the issue, but if the automation opens the Excel file and then it needs to be saved, couldn't a solution be to attach to the Excel instance using the Excel object and then use 'Save Workbook As'? This way, you could pass your preferred file path directly through the object. That is, of course, assuming I understood correctly and the instance remains open.

Simone

[naveed_raza]

When we download file that file , excel file will not open automatically , we have to save the file in specific location , 

when we get save as dialog box open that when we are entering the full file path where we want to save that time , file is saving in that location but when we are trying to open then it says file is corrupt.

if we set the default download path in chrome then that path only will show in save as dialog box and we just have to click on save button and from there we can move the file to required location. 

[simone.tomaCNH]

Hi @naveed_raza,

It seems that the folder you specify with the full path does not grant full access to Chrome, while the same folder, when defined as the default download location, requires authorization that Chrome automatically acquires. At this point, either you understand what the browser-side block and permissions are, or the easiest solution is the one proposed by @ldickin , who suggests downloading to the default folder and then copying to the destination folder.

Simone

[naveed_raza]

when we do that in debug in perfectly saving and opening , when we are running in one go then its giving an issue.

currently we are doing that only , we are downloading to the download folder path and then moving to the required folder

[simone.tomaCNH]

Hi @naveed_raza,

If it works during debugging, another possibility could be that the path is being written “too quickly” (this has happened to me sometimes when switching from debugging to scheduling from the control room). Another tip could be to slow down the path writing and implement (if not already present) reading and verification of the written path.

Simone