File Save Options for Query Export

Miki Martin

I export queries and reports frequently and have no problem selecting what drive to use, as we have Google Drive here so I can save my output to a specific folder on my Drive. However, another user in my department does not have the same options of output locations. I have looked in Security but cannot find anything that would clue me into thinking something is different. She cannot even save to her Desktop, as she gets an access error. I was able to determine where she CAN save, but that just means an added step of opening the file and resaving to the proper location. Do I have more options simply because I'm listed as an Administrator?

Faith Murray

Miki, I'm not an IT tech by any means, so I might be totally off here! But my first thought, if she's experiencing an "access error" would be to look at the security on her PC itself. It sounds like RE may be trying to access her desktop, but is being denied permissions by her local software.

Dariel Dixon 2

Chances are, if she has the ability to save the output at all, then it's a local PC option. Generally speaking, RE looks at the drive mappings of the PC you're using to save. Perhaps she has different drive mappings on her computer than you. I know that if I access RE from off campus, I don't have access to the network drives I have mapped.


If you've double checked her security settings, then it might be a local drive setting.

Mark Guncheon 2

Have you looked in her user settings where you direct RE to save various files? When I first started using RE, I was frustrated when I would click on desktop to save a file and RE would tell me that I didn't have rights to access that. I eventually figured out that it wasn't my desktop but the servers desktop. I could access mine by starting with my C: drive and going from there.

Damon Rosenthal

I agree with Faith. Take RE out of the picture and make sure the user can save any file (like Excel) at that location first. If that doesn't work then consider Dariel's reply.

If it does work then progress to looking at RE settings. Each time I run an Export I have to grant permission for RE to access my PC as I save on that directly vs a Google through a pop up. If the user selected block access and then also checked the "Do not ask me again for this site" then that could also be a reason it just blocks the access. You would have to find a way to reset that on her device. The pop up is a Citrix Workspace - Security Warning, so I would start with her local Citrix App settings.

Good luck!

Miki Martin

Faith Murray‍ Dariel Dixon‍ Mark Guncheon‍ Damon Rosenthal‍ thank you all so much! I know I at least answered part of my question early this morning when I woke up and realized she doesn't have Google File Stream or Drive (or whatever it's called) downloaded on her Mac like I do. Most of the staff here use Google apps so it's not really necessary. Since I still use Microsoft a lot I need access to the drive so I had to download that.


I will definitely check out how she has her settings in RE, though, for query export. I know I saved a default path in mine. Why I didn't think of that, I don't know. This is all helpful. I have to learn how to help troubleshoot others' issues, too, which is a different mindset than figuring out your own troubles. ?

Mark Guncheon 2

As someone who has solved many problems from other RE users within our foundations, I have two tips that have helped me:

1. Ask for them to send you a screenshot of any error message or problem that is occurring. Often that will show you, the seasoned veteran, what the problem is.

2. Ask what browser they are using if it's a login problem; if it's an RE problem, check their settings to see if they are allowed to do what they are trying to do.


Good luck, Miki! It's always a great feeling when you get that email: "Thanks so much! You solved me problem! You are my hero!!!"


Well, maybe they don't call me their hero but I can dream, right? ?