KB73059331: Automation Engine - Problem while copying files, Creating directory failed error

Summary

The following error message appears in the workflow when creating a file. Output directory field containing SmartNames for output directory.

"Server.java.lang.Exception: Problem while copying files:Creating directory.......... failed."

Problem is the path length combined with the output file name length is more than 255 characters.

Symptoms

The complete error message is given below:

Server.java.lang.Exception: Problem while copying files:Creating directory verylongfilename.pdf in\\servername\ClientFolder
\1234567890\_1234567 CompanyCompletedJobs\1234567 1234567 1234567 1234567 1234567 1234567 1234567 1234567 1234567 1234567 
1234567 1234567 1234567 1234567 1234567 1234567 1234567\Tiffs failed.

Solution

Individual components of a file name (i.e., each sub-directory along the path and the final file name) are limited to 255 characters. Alpha-numeric characters are recommended along with dashes and underscores. Try to avoid any other characters.

In the above example, the path is 235 characters including the spaces. The spaces are considered a special character and are translated to "%20". So spaces are actually three characters.

To resolve this issue, you need to keep the path name and the file name under 255 alpha-numeric characters. Avoid using spaces in the path and the file name, if possible. Use dashes and underscores instead as they only count as one character.