Art Of Creation – Dynamics AX Blog
The everyday life of a Dynamics AX developer
April 8, 2009 at 23:39
filed under Dynamics AX
Tagged Dynamics AX, RPC, System.IO, WinAPI
A very common scenario when doing interfaces with other applications, is to have a directory where one application places files, and the other one picks those up and processes them.
Let’s say some application want to interface with Dynamics AX, one way, from that application to AX. That application will drop files of a specific format, say *.txt, in a directory. You’ll want to have a batch job in AX that checks that directory every 5 minutes for those files. When your batch job finds those files, it will open them and do something with that data, then move them to an other directory, so you don’t process them twice.
Now the first thing you’ll probably think of (well, I did…), is to use the class WinAPI. This class has some useful static methods for checking if folders or files exist, finding files with a filename of a certain format. Just the kind of thing we’re looking for. Your code might look like this:
That’s perfect. It checks a directory, in this cas C:\temp, for files with the extension txt… until you try to run this in batch. Your batch will have the status error, and there will be an entry in the event log saying:
RPC error: RPC exception 1702 occurred in session xxx
That error message is very misleading, but Florian Dittgen has a nice blog entry about this, that explains why this goes wrong: WinAPI methods a static and run on client. In batch, you can not use these client methods.
But hey! There is a class called WinAPIServer, surely this runs on server, right? Correct, but a lot of the methods available in WinAPI are missing in WinAPIServer. You can however extend the WinAPI server class by copying methods from the WinAPI class and modifying them a bit. Let’s try that.
This is what the WinAPI::FindFirstFile() method looks like:
As you can see, this method uses the function FindFirstFileW from the Kernel32 dll located in the folder C:\WINDOWS\system32. Let’s copy this method to WinAPIServer and modify it to look like this:
Three things have changed here:
When you test this in batch (running on server), this will work, and you can do this for all WinAPI methods in the examples above… until you try this on a x64 architecture. You’ll receive a message saying that an error occurred when calling the FindFirstFileW function in the Kernel32 DLL (the exact message slipped my mind).
The problem is described on the Axapta Programming Newsgroup. You can code your way around this problem, but I think the message is clear: don’t use WinAPI.
Instead, use the .NET Framework System.IO namespace (watch out for lowercase/uppercase here), in our case in specific, System.IO.File and System.IO.Directory.
I get this nice code example from Greg Pierce’s blog (modified it a bit):
This will run on client and on server without any problems. To have clean code, you could create your own class, just like WinAPI, but using the System.IO namespace. That way, you can reuse this code and save time.
Conclusion: abandon WinAPI, and use System.IO instead.
Jeroen Doens
on April 14, 2009 at 11:48
Nice research!
Amber
on April 14, 2009 at 18:01
How do you then move them into another directory to avoid processing the same files the next time the batch runs?
Thanks!
Klaas Deforche
on April 14, 2009 at 18:18
You can use this method:
{
#File
Set permissionSet;
;
permissionSet = new Set(Types::Class);
permissionSet.add(new FileIOPermission(fileName,#io_write));
permissionSet.add(new InteropPermission(InteropKind::ClrInterop));
CodeAccessPermission::assertMultiple(permissionSet);
System.IO.File::Move(fileName, newFileName);
CodeAccessPermission::revertAssert();
}
Let me know if it works or if you need more help.
Rob
on October 9, 2009 at 10:24
Hi there!
I’m creating an interface between Dax and another app just the way described by using textfiles in a folder. Everything works fine, only I have one problem: the exportscript from app1 (Oracle app) and the DAX importscript are executed asynchronic. Things go wrong when app 1 hasn’t finished writing the exportfile and Dax already starts importing the file.
I there a way to determine the filesize? So I can import only when the filesize > 0 kb. I tried WinAPI::filesize but it always returns 0.
Thanx!
Rob
Klaas Deforche
on October 9, 2009 at 14:39
Hi Rob,
I’m familiar with the problem, but it’s a tricky one.
If you are looking to determine the file size, this should return the file size in bytes:
I don’t know if that’s a good way to check if the process has finished writing the file, because the size could be greater than 0, even if the process hasn’t finished writing (for example when it is appending information to the file).
Here’s a few alternative ways to deal with this:
1. The Oracle app create the file in a temporary directory, and when it’s finished, it moves the file to the directory you are monitoring in AX.
2. Or the Oracle app creates the file with a filename or extension you are not monitoring, and renames it to the correct file name when it’s finished (my favourite).
3. Or the Oracle app create a second file when it has finished writing, with the same filename, but a different extension (eg: filename.csv and filename.done), and you only read files that have a corresponding .done file (check this in AX).
Hope this helps!
Michael
on March 24, 2010 at 16:02
When using the code in #3 above I get the following error:
ClrObject static method invocation error.
Anyone have ideas on what to check as to the cause of this error?
Klaas Deforche
on March 24, 2010 at 16:34
Hi Michael,
I’ve had this problem as well, especially when executing code in batch.
It probably has something to do with escaping the slashes in your string.
Try this:
Also, using FileName as datatype for you parameters in stead of str might do the trick.
Let us know what works for you.
Michael
on March 24, 2010 at 17:37
Thanks for the quick response. I ended up adding a try/catch to pull in the modt recent message and it told me that the file was still in use which pointed me to the fact that I had not closed the file (i.e. set it to NULL) before trying to move it. So once I did that it worked fine.
Thanks so much for this blog post – it saved me huge amounts of time.
Jan VO
on April 28, 2010 at 15:30
Thanks for the tips regarding escaping slashes, it works .
John
on May 17, 2010 at 17:33
I am using System.IO.File::Exists method to check a file and if it exists create a new file with a different name. Problem is when i call this code using a batch server getting error:
permissionSet = new Set(Types::Class);
permissionSet.add(new FileIOPermission(successDirectory + filename, #io_read));
CodeAccessPermission::assertMultiple(permissionSet);
Request for the permission of type ‘InteropPermission’ failed.
(S)\Classes\InteropPermission\demand
(S)\Classes\CLRInterop\staticInvoke
(S)\Classes\SIG_AIInboundController\run – line 190
(S)\Classes\BatchRun\runJobStatic – line 62
Can you think of any idea why this is happening
//w_OrigfilenameFilename = filename;
if (!System.IO.File::Exists(successDirectory + filename))
Klaas Deforche
on May 17, 2010 at 17:48
Hi John,
I believe the problem is that you didn’t add the InteropPermission to your set of permissions.
Please add the following line (before CodeAccessPermission::assertMultiple()) and try again:
You need the ClrInterop permission to use this function:
System.IO.File::Exists().
Hope this helps.
Hike
on September 15, 2010 at 11:16
Hi Klaas,
Our system is based on the x64 architecture and I encounter the same problem while downloading the file via FTP. It seems that the WinInet class also cannot work on the x64 architecture in batch. Do you have any experience with this case?
Thanks,
Hike
Klaas Deforche
on September 19, 2010 at 22:57
Hi Hike,
Sorry, no specific experience with FTP on x64.
I will look into it though, maybe I can find a solution.
The suggestion by Vladi on the newsgroups could help you: http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.axapta.programming&tid=c5b2f7c6-0dc3-49f3-a49e-dcd836625563&cat=&lang=&cr=&sloc=&p=1.
It’s about the Wow64DisableWow64FsRedirection and
Wow64RevertWow64FsRedirection functions.
More info on msdn: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa365743%28VS.85%29.aspx
I haven’t tried it myself, but that just might do it.
Best regards,
Klaas.
Ajit
on December 19, 2010 at 11:28
Hi,
I have used “findFirstFile” method written by you for server but I am getting below error. Please help!
“Function ‘FindFirstFileW’ in DLL library ‘KERNEL32’ has caused an exception.”
Regards,
Ajit
Klaas Deforche
on December 19, 2010 at 11:42
Hi Ajit,
That’s right, you’re AOS probably has a x64 architecture?
I would advise using the last method (job named loopfilesSystemIO), that will certainly work.
Regards,
Klaas.
Ajit
on December 19, 2010 at 11:46
Yes Klaas. Its 64 bit server. I’ll try loopfilesSystemIO.
Thanks.
Matic
on April 20, 2011 at 09:48
Hey.
Nicely written!
I have similar problem, the difference is that I need a list of directories:
permissionSet = new Set(Types::Class);
permissionSet.add(new FileIOPermission(filePath, ‘r’));
permissionSet.add(new InteropPermission(InteropKind::ClrInterop));
CodeAccessPermission::assertMultiple(permissionSet);
files = System.IO.Directory::GetDirectories(filePath);
This last line still throws “ClrObject static method invocation error.”
Variable filePath holds some network path, although I am sure server has read/write access.
This code runs in a batch job.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Matic
Klaas Deforche
on April 20, 2011 at 10:03
Hi Matic,
I tested you code like this and it ran fine:
{
Set permissionSet;
System.Array files;
int i, j;
container fList;
str filename;
;
permissionSet = new Set(Types::Class);
permissionSet.add(new FileIOPermission(@"C:", "r"));
permissionSet.add(new InteropPermission(InteropKind::ClrInterop));
CodeAccessPermission::assertMultiple(permissionSet);
files = System.IO.Directory::GetDirectories(@"C:");
for( i=0; i<ClrInterop::getAnyTypeForObject(files.get_Length()); i++ )
{
fList = conins(fList, conlen(fList)+1, ClrInterop::getAnyTypeForObject(files.GetValue(i)));
}
for(j=1;j<= conlen(fList); j++)
{
fileName = conpeek(fList, j);
info(fileName);
}
}
I think the error “ClrObject static method invocation error.” indicates that the parameter you provide to the function is incorrect. Try a fixed path ‘like @”C:\” to see if that works. Then you know that is (or isn’t) the problem. As I’ve said in previous comments, AX behaves a bit strange when it come to filepaths (and escaping those slashes), I have trouble figuring that out too :).
Matic
on April 20, 2011 at 10:24
It’s kinda strange.
You are right, @”C:\” works fine.
But for example @”\\serverName\Share” does not.
In windows explorer I can access those shares and share permissions are set for Everyone.
It’s clearly a network permissions problem.
I’ll do some more research and keep you posted.
Anonymous
on April 20, 2011 at 18:23
I am having this warning being logged in the Event Viewer. Does this problem may cause stability issues in the server? Because after a number of entries, it goes down unexpectedly …
Any help will be appreciated.
Ajit
on May 23, 2011 at 18:03
Hi Klass,
I am using below code for moving file from one location to another location. Location defined on parameters
In Location – \\ServerName\FolderName
Out Location – \\ServerName\Out Folder Name
But I am getting – ClrObject static method invocation error.
I am ruuning code on server. Any help will be appreciated.
Tell me if I am doing something wrong here.
permissionSet.add(new FileIOPermission(fileName,#io_read));
permissionSet.add(new InteropPermission(InteropKind::ClrInterop));
[path, filenameL,fileExt] = fileNameSplit(filename);
fileNameTo = CustParameters::find().CSVArchieveLocation +’\\’+ fileNameL + ‘_’ +strrem(strrem(date2str(SystemDateGet(),213,2,1,2,1,4),’//’),’ ‘) + ‘_’ + time2str(timenow(),3,3)+’.csv’;
permissionSet.add(new FileIOPermission(fileNameTo,#io_Write));
CodeAccessPermission::assertMultiple(permissionSet);
System.IO.File::Move(fileName,fileNameTo);
CodeAccessPermission::revertAssert();
Thanks,
Ajit
Klaas Deforche
on May 30, 2011 at 10:06
Hi Ajit,
Can you try the same as Micheal (comment 8), a try/catch to capture the .net exception.
This might point you to the problem.
This could help:
http://axatluegisdorf.blogspot.com/2010/05/decode-clr-exception-message.html
And:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee677495.aspx
Leandrolopesp
on September 6, 2011 at 20:39
Oh man! You saved my day :)
Klaas Deforche
on September 6, 2011 at 22:48
Leandrolopesp, glad it helped :)
Ajit
on November 23, 2011 at 16:43
I want to delete files using WINAPIServer in AX 2012. When I change class run on type to “Client” then its is working but when I am changing to server, it doesn’t work. Any pointer would be helpful.
Thanks,
Ajit
Klaas Deforche
on November 23, 2011 at 21:14
Hi Ajit,
What is the error you’re getting?
Are you using a local path (C:\…) or UNC path (\\server\…)?
Is it possible to copy your code here?
Ajit
on November 24, 2011 at 19:03
Thanks Klaas for your reply. Issue has been resolved. There was an issue with AOS service account.
Vince
on March 13, 2012 at 16:46
Hi Klaas,
I’m using AX4.0 to get a number of files spread out in several directories.
My code:
files = System.IO.Directory::GetFiles(@”C:\temp”, “*.txt”, System.IO.SearchOption::AllDirectories);
AX throws a syntax error when using System.IO.SearchOption::AllDirectories.
If I don’t use it, no error is given, but the result is incomplete of course.
Klaas Deforche
on March 14, 2012 at 19:36
Hi Vince,
It appears that enumerations are not supported in AX 4.0.
I got my info here: http://www.axaptapedia.com/.NET_Integration#Enumerations
They propose a workaround, but it’s probably more trouble than it’s worth.
What you could try is also loop your directories and recursive get all files that way.
// pseudocode
array getfiles(dir _dir)
{
array += getallfiles();
while locdir in _dir
array += getfiles(locdir);
return array;
}
Muhammad Hussain Bandukda
on March 20, 2012 at 06:04
I am facing an issue while moving a text file from a network path. There is no error but I dont see the file copied. Here is the code:
static void Job16(Args _args)
{
#File
Set permissionSet;
;
permissionSet = new Set(Types::Class);
permissionSet.add(new FileIOPermission(“\\\\Ax-uat\\rms\\IA\101_20120228_IA.txt”,#io_write));
permissionSet.add(new InteropPermission(InteropKind::ClrInterop));
CodeAccessPermission::assertMultiple(permissionSet);
System.IO.File::Move(strfmt(@”%1″, “\\\\Ax-uat\\rms\\IA\101_20120228_IA.txt”), strfmt(@”%1″, “\\\\AX-UAT\\RMS_Backup\\IA\\archieve\101_20120228_IA.txt”));
CodeAccessPermission::revertAssert();
}
is there something that I am missing here?
Deepak
on April 5, 2012 at 12:14
Hi all,
In AX, I am tring to send mail with attachments. In that I need to get the size of the file which is attached in mail.
Because the original file size and attached file size is different.
Can any one help me!
Klaas Deforche
on April 12, 2012 at 20:10
Hi Deepak,
I have no experience with that, sorry.
You will probably get an answer quicker if you post your question on the Dynamics AX forums: http://community.dynamics.com/product/ax/f/33.aspx
dwojt
on October 4, 2012 at 13:28
Ajit,
could you explain your issue with AOS service account?
Thanks,
dwojt
Ben
on November 14, 2012 at 12:36
@Vince, Klaas Deforche
I don’t know if this is still of interest for you, but actually you can use .NET-Enumerations in Dynamics AX 4.0. You have to use the System.Enum.Parse-method to accomplish this task:
System.IO.SearchOption searchOption;
str folder = ”;
str pattern = ‘*.*’;
;
searchOption =System.Enum::Parse(System.Type::GetType(“System.IO.SearchOption”),”AllDirectories”);
files = System.IO.Directory::GetFiles(folder,pattern,searchOption);
Many Greets, Ben
Shiv Prateek
on August 23, 2013 at 10:34
Hi Klass,
Is there any way to open any excel file without Using SysExcelApplication Class. These classes only run on client machine. But If we want to open excel file by a batch job, which runs on server, it gives me an error message “The impersonated(runAs) tries to invoke a method which is only available for client side”. Do you have any solution or a way to open excel by using methods which also run on server side.
Klaas Deforche
on August 23, 2013 at 16:36
Hi Shiv,
Yeah, that’s quit annoying.
You could use OpenXML, although I do not have experience with it.
Johan Van Veldhuizen has a blog post about it: http://www.van-veldhuizen.eu/blog/2012/10/06/import-data-using-ms-excel-into-dynamics-ax-2012/.
Hope this helps.
Update: when I can, I try not to use Excel because my experience is that it’s slow. I try to use csv files where I can. Maybe that is an option for you too. Users can edit csv file in excel too, they just have to make sure they save it correctly.
Shiv Prateek
on August 26, 2013 at 08:12
Hi Klass,
Thanks for your response. Would this OpenXML dll work for AX 2009 ? Or It would only work in Ax 2012. I am actually working on Ax 2009.
Regards,
Shiv
Arun joseph
on June 3, 2014 at 08:28
How to move the file from one folder to other folder through batch processing
Arun joseph
on June 3, 2014 at 08:30
Hi All,
How to move the file from one folder to other folder through batch processing.
Please help me ..
Regards
Arun joseph
Klaas Deforche
on July 27, 2014 at 01:02
Hi Arun,
I’m sorry for the very late reply, your message got lost between spam.
You can do so using System.IO.File::Move(). Don’t forget to assert the appropriate permissions as demonstrated above.
Shiv Prateek
on September 4, 2014 at 10:53
Hi All,
Can I use Binary class to convert decimal value to Binary Value or reverse. If yes, Then how?
Thanks,
Klaas Deforche
on October 9, 2014 at 09:57
Hi Shiv,
I don’t know of any way to convert to binary. In a way you do not really have to. Binary is just a way to represent a number, for example an integer. If you “info” a number in AX, it will always be shown in decimal, not binary or hex or something. But you can use integers to store binary numbers (only you have to use decimal).
But anyway, if you want to know the bit representation, you can write your own function using binary operators, especially the & operation (see: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa870833.aspx).
For example for the binary representation of 6:
6 & 1 = 0
6 & 2 = 1
6 & 4 = 1
-> so 6 binary is 110.
A bit off topic but I hope it helps :).
Ax beginner
on January 14, 2015 at 11:57
Hi Ajit
As per the point 21) I am also facing the same error. I want to move a file from one folder to another folder. Both my folders are from the network and I am unable to move the file. This happens only when I run it on the server side. If I run it on client I am not facing this error.
Also as per the point 27) you said that the Issue has been resolved. There was an issue with AOS service account. Could you please clarify how u resolved it on the server side.
Any help will be appreciated.
Rizky
on October 6, 2015 at 13:10
Hi All,
How get file in client? I code in server,I don’t get file.
This is code :
server static boolean SendDataLive(SM_IntegrationSOA _SM_IntegrationSOA)
{
InteropPermission permission;
liveupload.file.hrm.es_erp_dokumen_uploadClient _WS;
liveupload.file.hrm.file_attachmentsType _fileAttach;
liveupload.file.hrm.attachmentsType _attachtype;
liveupload.file.hrm.RESULTType _resulttype;
System.Byte[] byteArray;
System.Exception ex;
HistoryDokumenPegawai HistoryDokumenPegawai;
;
permission = new InteropPermission(InteropKind::ClrInterop);
permission.assert();
try
{
_fileAttach = new liveupload.file.hrm.file_attachmentsType();
_attachtype = new liveupload.file.hrm.attachmentsType();
_WS = new liveupload.file.hrm.es_erp_dokumen_uploadClient();
_resulttype = new liveupload.file.hrm.RESULTType();
byteArray = System.IO.File::ReadAllBytes(_SM_IntegrationSOA.FileName);
//SM_IntegrationSOA::FileClient(_SM_IntegrationSOA.filename);//
_attachtype.set_DESKRISPI(“”);
_attachtype.set_TIPE_DOKUMEN(_SM_IntegrationSOA.IdTipeDokumenDetail);
_attachtype.set_NAMA_FILE(_SM_IntegrationSOA.FileName);
_attachtype.set_VERSI(System.Convert::ToString(_SM_IntegrationSOA.Versi));
_attachtype.set_ATTACHMENT(byteArray);
_fileAttach.set_attachments(_attachtype);
_resulttype = _WS.es_erp_dokumen_upload(_SM_IntegrationSOA.EmplId,_fileAttach);
HistoryDokumenPegawai.EmplId = _SM_IntegrationSOA.EmplId;
HistoryDokumenPegawai.IdTipeDokumen = _SM_IntegrationSOA.IdTipeDokumen;
HistoryDokumenPegawai.IdTipeDokumenDetail = _SM_IntegrationSOA.IdTipeDokumenDetail;
HistoryDokumenPegawai.Versi = _SM_IntegrationSOA.Versi;
HistoryDokumenPegawai.DateUpload = systemdateget();
HistoryDokumenPegawai.StatusUpload = System.Convert::ToString(_resulttype.get_Description());
HistoryDokumenPegawai.FileDokumen = _SM_IntegrationSOA.FileName;
HistoryDokumenPegawai.insert();
}
catch(Exception::CLRError)
{
ex = ClrInterop::getLastException();
info(ex.ToString());
}
if(ex)
return false;
else
return true;
}
Any help will be appreciated.
Mohamed Shuhaib
on May 6, 2018 at 07:41
HI
I have installed and configured production floor app .
I am getting the same error .
which code needs to be changed ?
Could you please guide me
Klaas Deforche
on May 6, 2018 at 10:20
Hi Mohamed,
I am not familiar with the production floor app… You can start by scanning your code for code that only works on client (things with forms, dialogs, winapi, Excel,…). You can also try debugging using visual studio on the aos or using the tracing cockpit to figure out where the error is thrown.