How to troubleshoot issues with Office files that cannot be saved due to a file permission error

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While running word-based automation process, error thrown for "Word cannot complete the save due to a file permission error" My process using a local file fails because it doesn't have permissions.

The most probable causes for this error are:

  • The target file is in "Read-Only" or a "Template" document;
  • Insufficient permissions over the location where saving attempt is made;
  • Attempting to modify a file from a network shared folder;
  • Naming conflict;
  • The file is corrupt;
  • Firewall / Anti-virus blocking the operation.


Possible solutions:

  1. Use a Retry Scope activity in the workflow to re-run the activity handling the file in case it fails;
  2. Try saving the document with a different name than the one being currently used;
  3. Try saving the file in a different location. Test with both local and network drives.
  4. Test with a new file to determine. If it works with a new file, the intended one is probably corrupted and needs to be saved as a new version or repaired via the Repair Tools available to the program.
  5. If the issue is occurring only for specific users, it could be a permission issue. In such a case, compare the security settings of the working and non-working user for the respective location where the file needs to be saved. (Right click on the Folder -> Properties -> Security -> Select the user from "Group or user name" section -> Check the permissions)
  6. Try disabling the antivirus on the computer. If this helps, engage the internal IT team to address this security matter.

If none of the above steps helps, reach out to UiPath Support with the following details after having reproduced the error: