"Read Range" from an excel sheet is returning non-string values into a datatable

[David_Hernandez2 (David Hernandez)]

Hey all,

Currently working on a process that will read an excel range and convert it into a data table using the read range activity. The issue is that it’s returning numbers, dates, etc… when I need only strings. There doesn’t seem to be anything in the properties to create a data table of only strings.

Is there a way to convert a datatable with many different types, into the same data table with only string types.

[Manish540 (Manish Shettigar)]

Hi @David_Hernandez2 ,

Check this below link,

Convert All Columns in DataTable to String

@hatakora input sample datatable used within the answer: [Column1,Column2 AA,1 BB,2 ] About the question: The simplest option to convert a datatable to string is to use the output datatable activity output: [grafik] bringing 1 Row All Columns to a string (Demo here for the first row) [grafik] Bringing all Rows All Cols to a String: [grafik] About the Motivation: I agree to @Dave there should be a particular reason to do it. As for Analyzing / Inspection purpose we do use Debuggin…

LINQ query to update(replace)datatable in uipath

@Rachel7 this is maybe a too quick shot as it replace any space in any column to NA and returns a datatable. But you can give a try (From r In dtData.AsEnumerable Select ia = r.ItemArray.toList Select ic = ia.ConvertAll(Function (e) e.ToString.Trim.Replace(" ","NA")).toArray() Select dtCorrected.Rows.Add(ic)).CopyToDataTable() NEW VERSION, simplified: (From r In dtData.AsEnumerable let ra = r.ItemArray.Select(Function (x) x.ToString.Trim.Replace(" ","NA")).toArray() Select dtCorrected.Rows.…

Hope this may help you

[David_Hernandez2 (David Hernandez)]

That seems to just be converting the data table into a string at the end, I need to keep the end value as a data table.

[supermanPunch (Arpan)]

@David_Hernandez2

That seems to just be converting the data table into a string at the end, I need to keep the end value as a data table

Hi @David_Hernandez2 ,

Could you maybe explain with an Example data ?

This way we would be able to understand what exactly is the requirement needed.

Provide the data below in order for us to help you better :

1. Input Data (Sample)
2. Operation that needs to be performed
3. Expected Output data.

[Anil_G (Anil Gorthi)]

@David_Hernandez2

Try usinf display value setting…mostly you wpuld get string only on all columns

Cheers

[Manish540 (Manish Shettigar)]

Hi @David_Hernandez2 ,

Check this sample workflow attached below to change the all column types to string and values,
Uipath_ChangeColumnTypes.xaml (10.6 KB)

Hope this helps

[ushu (Usha kiranmai)]

Hi @David_Hernandez2 My understanding was, you are reading the data from an excel to data table.But, the output was not the same as the input. If this is the case try below steps

• If you are using classic activities, then select the Preserve Format property of Read Range activity

• If you are using Modern Activities, then set the Read Formatting value to Default

Correct me if my understanding was incorrect

[David_Hernandez2 (David Hernandez)]

Novigo Solutions - Change All DataColumns Datatype to String - RPA Component | UiPath Marketplace