how to attach file in AARI form of A360

Hi! Let me tag some folks who may be able to support you with this.

​@madhu subbegowda 

​@Ganesh Bhat 

​@Pradeep Kintali 

Just to rephrase my question - I have a system where multiple folders are created in my local path based on a Reference ID. Each folder contains an Excel file. I want to display these Excel files to users  in a FORM, allowing them to download the files.

I used Hyperlink command and passed local path but file is not visible to download. Since the file is not in SharePoint or S3 so cant use direct download through URL:  How can I achieve this?

The closest you could do is to read in the Excel file into a Datatable variable, then use the Table object within a Form to display the contents. Otherwise, you could also present the UNC path to the user using a Hyperlink object within the form. The user would then click the link which would cause Excel (or the associated application) to open the file.

Neither of these is exactly what you’re asking for, but might be something you could use.

Hi ​@Aaron.Gleason Thanks for your reply 
How should I add UNC path under Hyperlink , in order to user can click on the link and download a file.
If my path is C:user/Test/45-67/test.csv

If you’re using a file path like this, try:

file:///c:\user\Test\45-67\test.csv

Yes, three slashes after file:

Hi ​@VikkiS04 

Since the Excel files are stored locally and not on a web-accessible server, using a hyperlink with a local path (C:\path\to\file.xlsx) in an AARI form will not work because browsers block local file access for security reasons.

Approach 1: Upload to a Shared Network Drive

If your organization has a shared drive (e.g., a network folder), you can:

1. Move the file to a shared location (e.g., \\network_path\files\file.xlsx).
2. Use a hyperlink in AARI form pointing to the network path.

Steps:

• Use a File Move command to copy the file to the shared location.
• Generate a UNC path link and pass it into the AARI form.

Example Hyperlink: \\network_path\files\file.xlsx

Note: Users must have access to the shared location.

Approach 2: Upload to Automation 360 Control Room File Storage

A360 allows you to store files in the Control Room and provide users with a link to download.

Steps:

1. Upload the file dynamically to the Control Room using the Upload File action in Automation Anywhere.
2. Get the download URL for the uploaded file.
3. Pass this URL to the AARI form via a hyperlink.

Approach 3: Temporarily Host the File on a Local Web Server

If no shared drive or Control Room storage is available:

1. Host a local lightweight web server (e.g., using Python or IIS).
2. Serve the Excel files from a web directory.
3. Use the file’s HTTP URL in the AARI form.

Example (Using Python's HTTP Server):

cd C:\MyExcelFiles
python -m http.server 8080

Hyperlink for AARI Form: http://localhost:8080/file.xlsx
Note: This requires users to be on the same network

Best Option Based on Your Scenario:

1. Shared Drive (Network Path) Pros: Simple & works within the network Cons:Requires shared drive access
2. Control Room File Storage Pros: Secure, built into A360 Ocns: Extra step to upload file
3. Local Web Server Pros: Provides an HTTP download link Cons: Requires a local server

​@VikkiS04 did any of these solutions help?

yes

​@VikkiS04 please go ahead and mark it as best answer!