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Troubleshooting Zapier - New file added to Google Drive but not copied to another folder


I have created a Zap that:

  1. Triggers when a new file is added to a distinct folder
  2. Action to Copy the new file to another folder
  3. Slack message out
  • #1 above works. New file added, Zap identifies the file.
  • #2 seems to fail.
    • The File ID carries over from the Trigger
    • When the test is run, it notes that the file could not be identified

Frustrating as this seems to work when tested sometimes but fails more often than not.

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8 replies

Troy Tessalone
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Hi ​@elg11215 

Perhaps try this Zap action: GDrive - Upload File


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 4 replies
  • February 6, 2025

@Troy Tessalone Thanks.

Where would that reside? The original file needs to remain in the folder it was originally added. This is a shared folder with a client. We need the copy in a separate folder from which our teams do work.

Would the upload move the file from the source folder? I assume it would.


Troy Tessalone
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@elg11215 

Review the available GDrive Zap app triggers/actions: https://zapier.com/apps/google-drive/integrations#triggers-and-actions

These are different GDrive Zap actions:

  • Upload File
  • Copy File
  • Move File

 

You can achieve the outcome of copying a file to a new folder, by simply uploading a “copy” of the file that triggered the Zap to the desired folder via the action: Upload File

 

The error is likely related to the shared GDrive folders.

 

Help links for using GDrive in Zaps: https://zapier.com/apps/google-drive/integrations#help

 

Help link about using files in Zaps: https://zapier.com/help/create/basics/send-files-in-zaps

 


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 4 replies
  • February 6, 2025

Thanks, ​@Troy Tessalone

That does work. One thing that is odd, and again, I am new to Zapier:

  1. The new file was xlsx
  2. The uploaded file is txt

What’s up with that?


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 4 replies
  • February 6, 2025

@Troy Tessalone Actually, it did not upload that new file. It added a text file with nothing in it.


Troy Tessalone
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@elg11215 

For us to have info, post screenshots showing how your current Zap steps are outlined and configured in EDIT mode with the field mappings visible.


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 4 replies
  • February 6, 2025

@Troy Tessalone I think that the issue here is that these are both shared drives, and I am not a Manager of the folders. Based upon the restrictions, it would appear that:

  1. I can see that a new file came in to that folder to trigger it.
  2. I cannot move a file from that folder.

That appears to be the issue here.


Troy Tessalone
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@elg11215 

If you can get the Zap to trigger, it will have a temp file object that you can use to UPLOAD to a different GDrive Folder, assuming you have access permissions to do so.

For us to have context, post screenshots.

 

Help link about using files in Zaps: https://zapier.com/help/create/basics/send-files-in-zaps