SSIS error DTS_E_XMLTASK_FILEERROR: XML Task encountered a file-related error during execution

 The SSIS error code DTS_E_XMLTASK_FILEERROR indicates that the XML Task encountered a file-related error during execution. This could be due to several reasons, such as the file not being found, access permissions issues, or problems with the file path.

Steps to Diagnose and Resolve the Issue

1. Check File Path:

   • Verify that the file path specified in the XML Task is correct. Ensure that the file exists at the specified location.

2. noVerify File Permissions:

   • Ensure that the account running the SSIS package has the necessary permissions to access the file. This includes read/write permissions as required by the task.

3. Validate File Existence:

   • Check if the file exists at the specified location. If the file is supposed to be created by a previous task, ensure that the previous task executed successfully.

4. Check File Path Syntax:

   • Ensure that the file path is correctly formatted. Pay attention to escape characters and avoid using invalid characters in the file path.

5. Use Network Paths Correctly:

   • If accessing a file over the network, ensure the network path is correctly specified and accessible from the machine running the SSIS package.

6. Review Task Configuration:

   • Verify the configuration settings of the XML Task. Ensure that all necessary properties are correctly set.

Example Scenario and Solutions

Scenario: An SSIS package is trying to process an XML file located at C:\Files\Input.xml, but the task fails with the DTS_E_XMLTASK_FILEERROR error.

Possible Solutions:

1. Check File Path:

   • Ensure the file path C:\Files\Input.xml is correct and the file exists.

2. Verify Permissions:

   • Ensure that the account executing the SSIS package has read/write permissions for the file C:\Files\Input.xml.

3. File Path Syntax:

   • Ensure the file path is correctly formatted, especially if using expressions or variables to construct the path.

4. Network Path:

   • If using a network path, ensure it is accessible. For example, \\NetworkShare\Files\Input.xml.

Example SSIS Package Configuration

1. XML Task Configuration:

   • Open the XML Task editor.
   • In the Input section, ensure the SourceType is set to File Connection and the file path is correctly specified.
   • Ensure the OperationType is correctly set for the intended operation (e.g., Validate, XSLT, XPath, etc.).

2. File System Task for Checking File Existence:

   • Add a File System Task before the XML Task to check if the file exists.
   • Configure the File System Task to use the Exists operation.
   • Connect the File System Task to the XML Task with a precedence constraint that ensures the XML Task only runs if the file exists.

Example of Handling Errors with Script Task

If you need more control over error handling, you can use a Script Task to check file existence and permissions before executing the XML Task.

using System;
using System.IO;

public void Main()
{
    string filePath = Dts.Variables["User::FilePath"].Value.ToString();

    if (File.Exists(filePath))
    {
        // Check if the file is accessible
        try
        {
            using (FileStream fs = File.Open(filePath, FileMode.Open, FileAccess.Read))
            {
                // File is accessible
            }
            Dts.TaskResult = (int)ScriptResults.Success;
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            Dts.Events.FireError(0, "Script Task", "File access error: " + ex.Message, "", 0);
            Dts.TaskResult = (int)ScriptResults.Failure;
        }
    }
    else
    {
        Dts.Events.FireError(0, "Script Task", "File does not exist: " + filePath, "", 0);
        Dts.TaskResult = (int)ScriptResults.Failure;
    }
}

Example File System Task Configuration

1. Add File System Task:

   • In your Data Flow, add a File System Task before the XML Task.

2. Configure File System Task:

   • Set Operation to File Exists.
   • Set the SourceConnection to the file connection manager pointing to your XML file.

3. Precedence Constraint:

   • Set up a precedence constraint from the File System Task to the XML Task, so the XML Task only runs if the file exists.