Exploring Microsoft Purview eDiscovery Solutions

Posted on April 2, 2024April 1, 2026 by Wishv Prajapati

In today’s digital age, the volume of electronic data produced by individuals and organizations has skyrocketed. With this exponential growth comes the necessity for efficient and comprehensive methods to manage, store, and retrieve this data. Enter eDiscovery, a critical process, especially within Microsoft’s purview, providing a robust framework for handling electronic information for legal, compliance, and investigatory purposes.

Understanding eDiscovery in Microsoft Purview

Understanding eDiscovery

Electronic Discovery, commonly referred to as eDiscovery, encompasses the identification, collection, preservation, review, and production of electronically stored information (ESI). In Microsoft’s realm, eDiscovery revolves around leveraging the tech giant’s tools and platforms to streamline this process.

What Can You Discover?

Microsoft Purview’s eDiscovery tools enable the exploration of several repositories, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365 Groups, and even Yammer teams. The versatility of these tools allows for comprehensive searches across mailboxes and sites within a single eDiscovery search.

Leveraging Microsoft Purview eDiscovery (Standard)

For organizations utilizing Office 365 E5 or Microsoft 365 E5 subscriptions (or related E5 add-ons), the capabilities are further amplified with Microsoft Purview eDiscovery (Premium). However, even with the standard version, organizations can identify, hold, and export content discovered within mailboxes and sites.

Why You Need eDiscovery in Microsoft’s Sphere

1. Streamlined Data Management

With the sheer abundance of electronic data, efficient management becomes a cornerstone of operational success. eDiscovery tools in Microsoft’s domain offer streamlined approaches to manage, sort, and retrieve data, enhancing overall productivity.

2. Enhanced Efficiency and Cost Savings

Implementing eDiscovery methodologies within Microsoft’s framework leads to increased efficiency in handling legal matters, thereby reducing the time and costs associated with traditional manual data review processes.

3. Proactive Risk Management

By embracing eDiscovery within the Microsoft ecosystem, organizations proactively manage risks associated with data breaches, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding sensitive information.

Microsoft Purview eDiscovery (Standard) Workflow

Understanding the workflow is crucial to effectively utilize the eDiscovery (Standard) features. The process typically involves:

1. Creation of eDiscovery Holds

Upon initiating a case, the first step is placing an eDiscovery hold on content locations relevant to the investigation. These content locations encompass Exchange mailboxes, SharePoint sites, OneDrive accounts, as well as the mailboxes and sites linked with Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 Groups.

2. Association of Searches and Exports with a Case

An integral aspect of the workflow is associating searches and exports with a specific case. This categorization streamlines the process, ensuring a clear linkage between the investigation and the obtained data.

3. Placing eDiscovery Holds

Organizations must initiate eDiscovery holds for individuals of interest, scour relevant content, and subsequently export this data for further scrutiny.

The eDiscovery (Standard) workflow

It is a structured process designed to assist organizations in utilizing eDiscovery tools effectively once a case has been created. Here’s an overview of the key steps involved:

(Standard Workflow for eDiscovery)

Step 1: Create an eDiscovery Hold

After initiating a case, the initial step involves placing an eDiscovery hold on content locations associated with individuals under investigation. These locations encompass Exchange mailboxes, SharePoint sites, OneDrive accounts, as well as mailboxes and sites linked to Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 Groups.

The eDiscovery hold serves to preserve potentially relevant content throughout the investigation. Organizations have two options:

Preserve All Content in Specific Locations: This comprehensive approach retains all data within predefined locations.

Create Query-Based Holds: A more targeted strategy, preserving content that aligns with specific queries or criteria.

Beyond content preservation, eDiscovery holds streamline subsequent searches by allowing swift access to held content locations.

Step 2: Search for Content

Post-establishing eDiscovery holds, organizations leverage the in-built search tool to explore held content locations. Additionally, they can extend their search to other content repositories to locate data pertinent to the case.

Organizations have the flexibility to run varied searches associated with the case, utilizing keywords, properties, and conditions to tailor search queries. These queries generate results comprising the most relevant data for the investigation.

Further functionalities within this step include:

Viewing Search Statistics: Utilized to refine search queries and narrow down results for precision.

Previewing Search Results: Allows quick verification of the relevance of retrieved data.

Iterative Query Revision: Enables adjustments to search queries and subsequent reruns for thorough data retrieval.

Step 3: Export and Download Search Results

Upon identifying relevant data through searches, organizations proceed to export these findings out of Microsoft 365 for external review. This process involves two essential steps:

Exporting Search Results: Copying the search results to a designated Azure Storage location provided by Microsoft.
Downloading the Export Package: Utilizing the eDiscovery Export tool to download the content, including exported data files, export reports, summary reports, and error reports, to a local computer.

The comprehensive export package enables external parties to review the findings beyond the investigation team.

The eDiscovery (Standard) workflow thus encompasses strategic content preservation, meticulous search methodologies, and efficient data exporting, ensuring a comprehensive and structured investigative process.

Process to Start Creating eDiscovery Case in Microsoft Purview

Microsoft Purview simplifies eDiscovery processes by streamlining the steps involved in creating an eDiscovery case. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing each step for initiating an eDiscovery case within Microsoft Purview.

Step 1: Accessing eDiscovery in Microsoft Purview

To begin, access eDiscovery by navigating to Microsoft Purview > eDiscovery (Standard).

(Accessing eDiscovery in Microsoft Purview)

Step 2: Creating a New eDiscovery Case

Once in the eDiscovery section, click on “Create a case” to initiate a new eDiscovery case.

(Create eDiscovery case)

Step 3: Naming and Describing the eDiscovery Case

Upon clicking “Create a case,” provide an appropriate name and description for the case. Ensure to save the information.

Step 4: Accessing the eDiscovery Case

After creating the eDiscovery case, click on the case name to access it and proceed further.

(eDiscovery case has been created)

Step 5: Assigning Permissions

The initial step post-case creation involves assigning permissions to specific groups and users. Navigate to the settings tab and select “Access & permission.” Choose the desired users and groups for accessing the eDiscovery case.

(Accessing Permission Tab)

(Assigning eDiscovery case Permission to Users and Groups)

Step 6: Holding Locations

The subsequent step is to hold specific locations within the case. Click on the “Hold” tab, name the hold, provide a description, and save it. Select the locations to apply the hold, including/excluding as necessary.

(Accessing Hold tab in eDiscovery)

(Creating Hold for eDiscovery case)

Step 7: Creating Queries

Utilize the Search query builder to create queries that identify desired locations for search and applying holds. Add keywords and conditions using the builder, including multiple keywords and predefined conditions.

(You can enter multiple keywords in the Query)

(Add Predefined conditions in the search)

Step 8: Reviewing and Submitting the Hold

Review the settings chosen for the hold and submit the final configuration.

(Review your Hold settings)

Step 9: Content Search for eDiscovery Case

Navigate to the “Searches” tab to conduct content searches for the eDiscovery case.

(Accessing the Search Tab)

Step 10: Defining Search Conditions

Create a new search case with a name and description. Select the desired locations for content search, defining search conditions, query language, and country/region preferences.

(Create search for eDiscovery case)

(Select the specific location for search case)

(Enter the Keyword in the Query for search case)

Step 11: Reviewing and Starting the Search

Review the search settings and initiate the search. The status will change from “started” to “complete” upon search completion.

(Review your search settings before creating it)

(Search status for content search case)

Step 12: Reviewing Search Results

Post-search completion, a detailed summary showcasing information like item count, location, size, condition reports, and top locations will be available.

(Search Summary and Status for completed status)

Step 13: Generating Reports

Generate reports through the graphical visualization of search statistics, including CSV format reports for item counts, locations, and conditions.

(Search Statistic results)

(Export Search results)

Export Search Results

Exports Tab

(In Exports tab you can see the exported reports)

Step 14: Closing or Deleting the Case

If necessary, close or delete the eDiscovery case by accessing the settings tab and selecting the desired action from the available options.

Closing or Deleting the Case (Refer Close/Delete case)

Upgrading eDiscovery Case

Consider moving the eDiscovery case from the standard version to the premium version if needed. (If you are dealing with complex data challenges, legal intricacies, and heightened compliance requirements, providing a comprehensive suite of tools to navigate the evolving landscape of data management seamlessly.)

Upgrading Ediscovery Case

(Move case to eDiscovery case from eDiscovery Standard to eDiscovery premium)

Conclusion

Navigating the eDiscovery process within Microsoft Purview involves a systematic approach, starting from case creation to content search and report generation. By following these outlined steps, users can effectively manage eDiscovery cases, ensuring thorough and precise investigations.

How to export Office 365 PST file with eDiscovery in Office 365

Posted on March 29, 2024April 1, 2026 by Wishv Prajapati

In today’s digital landscape, legal and compliance teams are constantly battling the ever-growing tide of electronic data. Complex investigations and tight deadlines demand efficient tools to sift through this information. Microsoft Purview, with its robust eDiscovery and Content Search features, empowers teams to navigate these challenges. However, the true power lies in unlocking the insights within the exported data. This is where the eDiscovery Export Tool used for the streamlining the review process and to access the data in a more usable format.

You cannot actively use a PST file from OneDrive or SharePoint Online. Microsoft is NOT recommending this as a practice. The recommended practice is to convert your PST files to your Office 365 account. (.PST files: These are data files used by older versions of Outlook to store emails, contacts, calendars, etc.)

What is Content Search?

This versatile tool helps locate specific information across various applications like Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams. It’s ideal for internal needs such as investigations or audits.

What is eDiscovery?

Beyond basic search, eDiscovery is a robust solution specifically designed for legal and compliance teams. It allows for efficient identification, preservation, and analysis of electronic content during legal cases or investigations. This ensures adherence to legal requirements and facilitates thorough investigations.

What is the eDiscovery Export Tool?

The eDiscovery Export Tool is a powerful utility integrated within Microsoft Purview, designed specifically for viewing and analysing exported Content Search data. It provides users with a user-friendly interface to navigate through the exported data, and to access the data in a more usable format.

To export a search report, you have to be assigned the Compliance Search management role in compliance portal. This role is assigned by default to the built-in eDiscovery Manager and Organization Management role groups.

Step 1: Access the Microsoft 365 admin centre.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Security & Compliance” Section.

Step 3: In Microsoft purview locate to the ” Roles & Scopes ” area and click on the “Permissions”.

Step 4: In Permission tab Select the roles associated with Microsoft Purview solutions.

Step 5: Next, search for the eDiscovery Manager role in the search box and press “Enter”.

Step 6: Open the eDiscovery Manager role.

Step 7: Click on “Edit”.

Step 8: Add your account to both the “eDiscovery Manager” and “eDiscovery Administrator” roles.

Step 9: Click “Save” to apply the changes.

Downloading Exported Search Results

Downloading exported content from Content Search or eDiscovery requires a separate tool called the eDiscovery Export Tool. While Microsoft Edge is recommended, recent updates might require a different approach.

Here’s what you can do:

Enable ClickOnce support in the newest Microsoft Edge: This might involve some additional steps (Shown Below)

Enabling ClickOnce Support in Microsoft Edge

1. In Microsoft Edge, go to edge://flags/#edge-click-once.

2. For ClickOnce Support Change the setting from “Default” or “Disabled” to “Enabled”.

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the browser window and Restart Microsoft Edge.

Installing and running the eDiscovery Export Tool

1. After exporting your search results in Purview, select “Download results” on the export flyout page. Copy the “export key” to your clipboard for later use.

(Important: Downloading directly from a Chrome browser will result in an error. Switch to Microsoft Edge)

2. You’ll be prompted to launch the eDiscovery Export Tool. Select “Open”.

3. If not installed, click “Install” after the security warning.

(Microsoft Office 365 eDiscovery Export Tool Install Pop-up)

(Installing Microsoft Office 365 eDiscovery Export Tool)

(Application Launching Screen)

4. Upon installation, enter the copied “export key” in the eDiscovery Export Tool window. Specify the download path and file name, then click “Start” to begin downloading the exported data.

5. Following that, you will be able to see the screen for tracking the download progress. Click on Close to finish the download process.

6. Opening the file reveals a folder pane (like the image) displaying details about your content search results.

How to Block External Sharing and Printing Using Sensitivity Labels

Posted on March 22, 2024April 1, 2026 by Wishv Prajapati

Table of Contents

What are sensitivity labels in Microsoft 365?

Imagine adding an extra layer of security to your documents and emails. Sensitivity labels are used to classify content and protect content. With Microsoft Purview Sensitivity Labels, you can do just that.

These labels act like tags, classifying information based on its importance (think “confidential” or “public”). Once labelled, policies can be set to control who can access or share this information. This empowers your organization to:

Prevent accidental leaks: Stop sensitive information from being shared with the wrong people.
Restrict document access: Ensure only authorized users can view critical documents.
Add extra safeguards: Block printing or other actions on highly sensitive documents.

Microsoft Purview (previously known as Microsoft 365 compliance) sensitivity labels can be applied to emails, documents, and Microsoft 365 containers, including Teams, SharePoint sites, and Microsoft 365 Groups.

Enhanced Security and Streamlined Compliance with Sensitivity Labels

Beyond Permissions: While traditional security and permissions control who sees what, Sensitivity Labels go a step further. They offer a powerful layer of protection by:
Encrypting Content: Highly sensitive information can be automatically encrypted, making it unreadable even if accessed by unauthorized users.
Restricting Actions: Prevent accidental leaks by limiting actions like copying, printing, or downloading sensitive documents. This goes beyond just who can view the information.
Disabling Print Screen: For documents containing the most critical data, you can even block users from capturing screenshots, adding an extra layer of defence.
Combined Power: Sensitivity Labels work seamlessly with existing security and permission settings in Microsoft 365. This creates a multi-layered defence, ensuring your organization’s data is protected from both internal and external threats.

Regulatory Compliance:

Simplify Compliance Challenges: Many regulations like GDPR and HIPAA have strict guidelines for handling sensitive data.

Sensitivity Labels streamline compliance by automatically classifying and protecting information based on its sensitivity level.

This reduces the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.

In this blog, we’ll explore the power of Sensitivity Labels in Microsoft Purview to safeguard your organization’s confidential information.

We’ll delve into how these labels can be configured to prevent two critical security risks: unauthorized external sharing and accidental printing of sensitive documents.

1. Access the Label Creation Portal:

Head over to the Microsoft Purview compliance portal

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/purview/purview-compliance-portal

Navigate to Information Protection and select Create label.

2. Craft a Clear and Informative Label:

Name: Choose a descriptive name like “BlockSharingPrinting”. This clearly identifies the label’s purpose.
Description: Provide a brief explanation of the restrictions and consequences of applying the label, both for users and adminis.
Display Name: This is what users will see in applications (e.g., “Confidential”). Keep it concise.
Colour: Select a colour that visually represents the sensitivity level. Click Next to proceed.

3. Define the Label Scope:

Choose where you want the label to be applicable (e.g., Items-emails, documents, or both, Containers – Groups & Sites). Click Next.

4. Enhance Security with Visual Markings (Optional) and Control Access:

Select the Control access option for the protection setting.

You can also consider adding a watermark or header/footer to warn users about the document’s confidentiality. Click Next if you don’t want visual markings.

5. Control Access and Printing Permissions:

Access Control: Here, you can determine who can view, edit, or copy the labelled content. Different permission levels offer varying access degrees. You can even create custom permissions.
Blocking Printing: To restrict printing for specific users, choose the “Viewer” permission level. Higher permission levels allow printing.

Select the Configure access control settings and assign Permission now

Assigning Permissions:

Click “Assign Permission” to specify who can access the document with the chosen permission level. You can assign access to:

M365 Groups (e.g., Sales Department)
Individual Users or Groups
Specific Email Addresses

Blocking Printing: To restrict printing for specific people, choose the “Viewer” permission level. This allows users to see the document but prevents them from printing it.
Allowing Printing: If printing needs to be allowed for some users, select a higher permission level. Options include “Co-owner/Co-author” (full control over the document).
Customizing Permissions (Optional): For even more granular control, you can create custom permission levels that define specific access rights.

6. Configure Protection for Groups and Sites

If you selected “Groups and Sites” in step 3, you could define additional settings here.

External Sharing: Choose the “Control external sharing from labeled SharePoint sites” and “Only people in your organization” options. This ensures that when this label is applied to a SharePoint site, only members of your organization can access it. Click on next.

7. Review and Save:

Double-check your chosen settings to ensure everything aligns with your security goals. Click Save to create the Sensitivity Label.

Making Labels Available to Users: Publishing with Label Policies

Now that you’ve created your powerful Sensitivity Label, it’s time to make it accessible to your users. This is achieved through a process called publishing the label using a label policy.

Here’s a breakdown:

1. Navigate to the Label Policies page in the Information Protection. Click on Publish label to create a new policy.

2. Select the Sensitivity Label you want to publish from the available options.

3. Choose the admin units you’d like to assign this policy to.

4. Choose the users or groups to whom you want to assign this policy. This determines which users will see the label available for use in their applications (e.g., emails, documents).

5. (Optional) You can customize additional settings within the policy, but for now, we’ll leave them as default.

6. Select the label if you want to apply it by default for documents, Emails, Meetings, Sites and groups, and Power BI.

7. Provide a clear and descriptive name for the label policy.

8. Review the settings then click Submit to publish the policy.

Important Note: It can take up to 24 hours for the published label to become available in the applications of your selected users.
Error Messages: Users may encounter an error message like “FileIRMProtected” when they attempt to print a labelled document. This message indicates that the label’s restrictions are being enforced.

The “File Info” menu within applications like Word or Excel might still show “Yes” for printing permissions. This information reflects the base permissions assigned to the document, not the additional restrictions imposed by the Sensitivity Label.

Remember: If “Yes” is displayed for printing permissions, the Sensitivity Label’s settings determine printing is allowed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Forms in Power Pages

Posted on March 19, 2024April 1, 2026 by Asutosh Patel

This tutorial explains advanced techniques for manipulating forms, enabling users to seamlessly integrate, create, modify, and interpret forms within web content. It serves as a foundational resource for improving web development skills.

Steps to Create a Form in Power Pages

There are two ways to create form:

Using PowerApps Portal
Using the “Data” workspace in Power Pages

Method 1: Create a form using the ‘Data’ workspace.

Step 1: Go to Power Pages and select the site.
Step 2: On the left side of Power Pages, select ‘Data,’ then create a table or choose an available table for the creation of the form.

Step 3: After selecting a table, click on “Forms,” then click on “+ New form”

Step 4: Fill in the details, such as “Form Name,” and add a description if necessary.

Step 5: After creating the form, add fields that need to be required by the creating columns.

Step 6: After adding a created column, drag or add it to the form, then click on “Save” and “Publish. Then Click on the back button.

Method 2: Create a form using the Power App Portal

Step 1: Go to the Power Apps Portal and click on the table.

Step 2: Then, either create a form in the existing table or create a new table and add a column to the form.

Step 3: After creating a table, you can add a column by clicking on “+ New Column.”

Alternatively, you can go to the table and click on the column to create the columns needed.

Step 4: After creating the columns, click on “Forms” and create a form

Step 5: To create a form, click on “New form” and then select “Main form.”

Step 6: To add a column, on the left side, you can see the columns that were created, and you can also create a column. Then Drag or click to add columns it to the form. Then click on Save and Publish from the right side.

To add forms to the Power Pages site, follow these steps:

Step 1: After creating the form, go to the power page site and create a new page or select an existing page. Then, choose the form from the component section.

Step 2: Click on the “+ New Form”

Step 3: Then, choose the table and select the form that was created from the table.

Step 4: After displaying the form, add permissions to it based on the requirements.

Step 5: After giving permissions, click on “Preview” to see the created form.

Conclusion:

Mastering Power Pages empowers users to enhance web development skills through form manipulation. From building multistep forms to creating specific edit and view forms, the possibilities are extensive.

This tutorial covered two core methods: PowerApps Portal and the “Data” workspace for creating and deploying forms. If you’re aiming to take your implementation further, our Power Pages development services can help you streamline form integration, access control, and automation strategies at scale.

Whether you’re embedding forms or automating user workflows, this guide gives you a solid launchpad to explore deeper Power Pages functionality.

Unlocking the Power BI: A Deep Dive into Power BI Semantic Models

Posted on March 12, 2024April 1, 2026 by Jaydeep Patel

Ever wonder what makes Power BI so effective for data analysis? The secret lies in Semantic Models. These models are the foundation of Power BI, transforming raw data into clear insights for smarter decisions.

This blog post dives into what Semantic Models are and how they work. You’ll learn how they:

Connect your data: Combine information from different sources.
Simplify complex data: Make it easier to understand and analyze.
Empower decision-making: Get the insights you need to take action.

By understanding Semantic Models, you can harness the full power of Power BI and turn data into a driver for success.

What is a Semantic Model?

Imagine Power BI reports and dashboards as the final presentation, but what goes on behind the scenes? That’s where Semantic Models come in.

These models act as a translator, taking your raw data and organizing it for clear understanding. They connect different data sources, define key relationships, and perform calculations – essentially, cleaning up the mess and making it easier to analyze.

Think of it like a map for your data. Semantic Models establish clear connections and hierarchies, allowing users to explore information intuitively. This translates to smoother user experience, consistent data interpretation, and ultimately, more confident decision-making based on accurate insights.

In short, Semantic Models bridge the gap between raw data and clear visualizations, unlocking the full potential of Power BI for data exploration and analysis.

Types of Semantic Models

Power BI offers three types of Semantic Models to cater to different data needs and preferences:

1. Import Model:

Best for: Fast performance and offline analysis.

Details: Data is copied and stored within the Power BI file, enabling quick visualizations.

Consideration: Requires regular data refreshes to stay up-to-date.

2. DirectQuery Model:

Best for: Real-time data access and large datasets.

Details: Connects directly to the data source, eliminating storage needs within Power BI.

Consideration: Performance might be slightly slower compared to Import Model.

3. Composite Model:

Best for: Combining speed and real-time updates.

Details: A flexible approach that allows storing frequently used data (Import) and connecting to live data sources (DirectQuery) for specific tables.

Advantage: Optimizes performance based on the type of data being analyzed.

Choosing the Right Model:

For fast analysis and offline use, Import Model is ideal.
For massive datasets requiring constant updates, DirectQuery shines.
When you need both speed and real-time elements, Composite offers the best of both worlds.
Guide to Building Power BI Semantic Models

Here’s a comprehensive guide to building effective Semantic Models:

1. Connect and Import Data:

Establish a connection between Power BI and your data sources.

Import relevant data based on your chosen model (Import or DirectQuery).

2. Transform and Shape Your Data:

Utilize Power Query Editor to clean, transform, and organize your data for optimal analysis.

3. Define Relationships and Measures:

Create clear connections between different data tables within your dataset.

Leverage DAX language to define insightful measures and calculations that reveal hidden trends.

4. Test and Validate Your Model:

Build sample reports and visualizations to ensure your model accurately reflects the desired insights.

5. Save, Publish, and Refresh (for Import Model):

Save your Power BI file for future use.

Publish it to the Power BI service for collaboration.

Schedule data refreshes (Import Model only) to maintain up-to-date information.

By following these steps, you can build robust Semantic Models that empower clear data exploration and insightful decision-making in Power BI.

Semantic Model Ownership

Who Can Edit Your Power BI Semantic Model?

Think of your Semantic Model as a shared workspace. Only the owner has permission to make changes. If you access a model through a gateway or cloud connection and see a “read-only” message, it means you’re not the owner.

To edit the model, you can either:

Collaborate with the Owner: Discuss the changes you need and work together.
Become the Owner: If necessary, request ownership from the current owner to make edits directly.
This ensures clear ownership and prevents accidental modifications by unauthorized users.

Conclusion

These models organize your data, making it easier to understand and analyse. They act as a bridge between raw data and clear insights, giving you the power to make data-driven decisions. Think of them as translators for your data, simplifying complex information for better decision-making.

Copilot in Action Create Your Site Through AI Innovation

Posted on March 5, 2024April 1, 2026 by Joel Plaut

How to use copilot in power pages

Make use of Copilot’s features when creating websites with Power Pages. AI will help you create your website depending on your description. Use natural language processing to inform the AI about the goals of the website, who the intended audience is, and what content or features it should have. This streamlines the design process by enabling AI to generate a customized website based on your requirements using natural language commands.

With Copilot, we can make sitemaps, homepages, themes, and layouts quickly. Copilot also suggests relevant content, images, and themes based on how users interact. It helps users explore new ideas and make more creative and effective websites.

Create a power pages site using Copilot

Step 1: Navigate to Power Pages by accessing the following
URL: ‘https://make.powerpages.microsoft.com/’.

Step 2: Describe the type of website you intend to create. For instance, specify whether it’s an e-commerce platform, a blog, a portfolio site, or any other specific concept.

Step 3: After entering the desired site name and web address into the provided fields. Once entered, click on the “Next” button to proceed with the site creation process.

Step 4: The AI Copilot embedded in Power Pages will automatically create the homepage based on the information you’ve provided. Additionally, you have the flexibility to expand your site’s content by adding more pages according to your requirements.

Step 5: After clicking ‘done,’ the site will be automatically created within 5 minutes. We will be able to view the homepage and other added pages, such as ‘About Us.’ Then, we can customize and add things based on our requirements.

Step 6: If the user wants to create another page using Copilot, they need to enter details about that page. afterward, Copilot will create the page. Also, we can change the site theme using Copilot.

Conclusion

Building a Power Pages website using Co-Pilot was a smooth and rewarding experience. Co-Pilot’s AI made things much easier, helping create a lively and attractive website. With Co-Pilot’s assistance, the site has complete information, simple navigation, and a beautiful look. Using this advanced tool has boosted how appealing the website is. By following Co-Pilot’s suggestions, we’ve set the stage for a strong and impactful online presence.

Comprehensive Guide to Error-Handling in Power Automate

Posted on March 1, 2024April 1, 2026 by Jaydeep Patel

Significance of Error-Handling

In automation, mistakes can occur. These errors might happen because the data format changes, there are connection problems, or external services aren’t available. So, it’s important to have good ways to deal with errors in your automated processes. This ensures they keep working well and can be relied upon.

One important part of making strong automated processes in Power Automate is handling errors properly. This blog post will talk about the best practices for dealing with errors in Power Automate.

Error-Handling Standards in Power Automate

1. Incorporating Try-Catch-Finally

Power Automate allows you to incorporate error handling by using certain actions within the flow. Although there isn’t a direct “try-catch-finally” construct, you can effectively handle errors using a combination of actions.

Here’s how you can implement error handling:

Start by retrieving data from a list and then initialize variable to encapsulate the subsequent actions as a “try” block.

Include an action to set a variable and configure its ‘Run After’ settings by selecting the options ‘has failed,’ ‘is skipped,’ and ‘has timed out.’ This action will function as the ‘catch’ block.

If an error occurs within the ‘try’ block, causing any of the selected conditions in the ‘Run After’ settings of the set variable to trigger, the flow will then proceed to execute the ‘catch’ block.

Within the “catch” block, you can handle the error appropriately. Once the “catch” block executes successfully, you can proceed with any final actions needed to complete the flow.

Add a compose action to function as a ‘finally’ block, configuring it with all selections from the ‘configure run after’ settings.

By structuring your flow in this manner, you can effectively handle errors that may occur during its execution.

2. Utilizing Try-Catch in scope actions

A collection of actions is encapsulated within the “Scope Try” action, serving as a container. Its primary purpose is to execute these actions cohesively while vigilantly monitoring for potential errors. This mechanism allows the flow to seamlessly transition to the “Scope Catch” block if an error arises within the “Try” scope, ensuring a smooth error-handling process.

Now, let’s employ an Excel action to retrieve rows from a table and include additional steps within the scope, as illustrated below.

The “Scope Catch” action in Power Automate serves as an error-handling block, seamlessly managing and recovering from errors occurring within the associated “Scope Try” action.

To enhance the error-handling mechanism, add another scope action control and access the “Configure run after” option.

In the “Configure run after” selection, choose “has failed,” “has been skipped,” or “has timed out,” as depicted below.

Scope Try in Power Automate organizes actions neatly, preventing flow failure from “Try” block errors and enabling integration with Scope Catch for error handling. Scope Catch aids in structured error management, preventing unexpected failures, logging errors, and facilitating action implementation, enhancing overall flow reliability and resilience.

The “Flow Run History URL” in Power Automate serves as a valuable tool for error handling. It offers a clickable link that leads to detailed information about the specific flow run that experienced an error.

concat('https://us.flow.microsoft.com/manage/environments/',workflow().tags.environmentName,'/flows/',workflow().name,'/runs/',workflow().run.name)

In summary, it’s crucial to implement proper error-handling techniques when building workflows in Power Automate. Following the guidelines mentioned in this blog post ensures that your workflows can gracefully handle errors and maintain smooth operation.

The key to effective error handling in Power Automate is to anticipate and be prepared for potential failures. Always have a plan in place to address any issues that may arise during the workflow execution.

How to Create the Reusable Header Using Component?

Posted on February 26, 2024April 1, 2026 by Meet Bhimani

What is component?

Components are reusable building elements for canvas apps in PowerApps that include one or more controls. Complex capabilities can be enabled by components by utilizing sophisticated features like custom attributes.

Scenario

Assume for the moment that our application will have more than two screens and that we must display a header and footer. Therefore, in this scenario, it will be challenging to maintain the header and footer on each screen if we are not utilizing components. If we need to make any changes—for example, to the font size, title, or logo—we will have to travel through all screen windows. We may make this as a component and use it on different screens to avoid these repeating modifications.

Creating Application

Step 1: Open the Browser and pate the URL: https://make.powerapps.com/.

Step 2: Click “Apps” in the left panel.

Step 3: Click on the “New app”.

Step 4: Choose the Blank Canvas app and enter the app’s name as it appears in the image below:

Step 5: Once the app is created, you will notice the component option is visible.

Step 6: Click on the Component tab after the screen as show into the below.

Step 7: Click on the “+ New Component” button and new component will be added to the component screen.

All the above step as show into the below image.

Step 8: Rename “Component1” to “Header Component” and adjust the “With” property.

Step 9: Currently, the component has a height and width of 640. To decrease the height, set it to 25, and observe the reduced component height as shown below:

Step 10: To display the screen name, you can insert a text label. If you require a home or back icon or any other elements, you can add and arrange them according to your preferences.

Step 11: For a responsive header, utilize a container control. Incorporate relevant buttons or labels into the header based on your specific requirements.

Step 12: Add a Horizontal container to your component by clicking on “Insert,” searching for the container control, and adding it.

Step 13: Once you’ve added the Horizontal Container, adjust the width and X property according to your specific requirements.

Width: Parent. Width
X: 0

Step 14: Insert the text label and home icon inside the horizonal container. In the horizontal container all the control which are added into this container is side by side so we can easily rearrange accordingly.

Add the text label into the container and change the text label name to “Lbl_Header”.
Enable the flexible width option for the Lbl_Header.
Also change the height property set as: Parent. Width.

Insert the home Icon into horizontal container.
Enable the Flexible width to turn on.
Ser the height: Parent. Height.

Step 15: You can select the label and adjust the “Fill Portions” based on your specific requirements.

Fill Portions is: 36.
Fill Portions: Defines how the individual component grows when there is more screen real-estate assigned to its parent. The number represents the portion of the extra space given to the component out of all the available extra space claimed by children of its parent. For example, if child A has Fill portions set to 1 and child B has Fill portions set to 2, child A gets 1/3 of the extra space available while child B gets 2/3 of the extra available space.

Step 16: Apply the background color to the component to set the header color. Adjust the font color for “Lbl_Header” and “Icon2” based on the background. In our case, we’ve set the text color to white, and the “HeaderComponent” background color is dark blue.

Step 17: Now that our header component is ready, we can configure the custom properties for Text, Screen, and Fill color, as displayed on the right side.

Step 18: Custom properties: A component can receive input values and emit data by creating one or more custom properties.

In the Display name, Property name, and Description boxes, add information according to your requirements.
Display name: Header Text
Property name: HeaderText

Note: Ensure that you do not include spaces when providing the Property Name, as this name will be used as a reference.

Step 19: The Property type has two options: one is called input, and the other is called output, as shown in the image below.

Step 20: Various types of custom properties can be created, including Text, Number, Boolean, Date and Time, Screen, Record, Table, Image, Video or Audio, Color, and Currency.

Step 21: In our case, where we need to change the screen header based on requirements, we select “Text” as the data type. Click on “Create” to add the Custom Properties.

Step 22: Add the text property of “Lbl_Header” to “HeaderComponent.HeaderText”

Step 23: Now, create a new property for navigating the screen.

Click on “New Custom Property.”
Add the Display Name: Home Icon.
Name: HomeIcon.
Description: A custom property for Home Icon.
Data type: Screen.
Click on the create button.

Step 24: Now, add the following formula to the icon’s “On Select” event. In our case, we want to use the Home Icon to navigate to the home screen. Select the icon and add the formula as mentioned below:

On Select: Navigate (HeaderComponent.HomeIcon)

Step 25: Now, our component is ready to be added to the header of the screen in Power Apps. Click on the right side of the “Screen” option.

Step 26: Click on “Insert” and search for the component name, then add it to the screen.

Step 27: Now, set the component width and height according to the requirements on the screen. In our case, the width is set to Parent. Width, and the height is set as 30.

Step 28: Now, to change the header name, select the header control and go to the right side in the component Custom property.

Click on “Header Text.”
Provide the text you want to display as the screen header. In our case, we have added “Onboarding Form Screen” as the text.

Step 29: To change the functionality of the home icon, follow the same steps as above for changing the header text. Additionally, you can add the screen name that you want to navigate to when the user clicks on the home icon. You can implement the logic in the On Select action to achieve the desired navigation.

Step 30: All the above process same as you can create the new screen and add the header component.

Refresh Dataset for Power Bi Report Using Power Automate

Posted on February 23, 2024April 1, 2026 by Joel Plaut

Power Automate, a service by Microsoft, presents a valuable feature that facilitates the refreshing of datasets utilized in Power BI reports. This functionality proves especially beneficial when the data source undergoes frequent changes, necessitating the report to reflect the most recent data accurately.

The “Refresh a dataset” action in Power Automate offers versatility, allowing it to be triggered based on various conditions, ensuring flexibility in keeping Power BI reports up to date. Users can initiate this action either manually or schedule it to run at specific times.

Furthermore, Power Automate seamlessly integrates with Power BI reports, providing the option for on-demand dataset refreshments. This integration is achieved through the incorporation of a Power Automate button directly within the report.

Step 1: Let’s set up a Power Automate flow using the “When a file is created or modified” trigger. In this step, carefully choose the “Site Address” and “Library Name” corresponding to the location of your spreadsheet, where further modifications are anticipated. This trigger is essential as it retrieves data from the spreadsheet linked to your PowerBI live report.

Step 2: Add the PowerBI action “Refresh a dataset” and specify the “Workspace” where your PowerBI report is created. Additionally, select the corresponding “Dataset” associated with the report. This ensures the seamless refreshing of the specified dataset within your PowerBI environment.

Step 3: Include the “Send an email” action to notify when the dataset has been refreshed. This action will be triggered whenever there is a modification in the spreadsheet, leading to the dataset being refreshed, followed by a notification.

In summary, Power Automate emerges as a robust and flexible solution for maintaining the currency of Power BI reports by facilitating regular updates of the underlying datasets.

Part – 2 Make Power Apps Ootb Form Control Responsive Using Containers

Posted on February 22, 2024April 1, 2026 by Joel Plaut

Follow these steps to set up the form responsiveness:

Open the power apps and click on the setting.
Go into the display settings and turn off the “Scale to fit” feature. Make sure that “Lock Orientation” and “Lock Aspect ratio” are disabled.

Responsive Form with Form controls.

Step 1: Click on the “Insert” icon and add the Text label property as shown in the below image. And Adjust label name according to the requirement and adjust the height and width of the label. Also changes the text as per the requirement.

Step 2: Create a new blank screen and insert a horizontal container onto the screen. Set the container’s height to match the previous specifications. In this method, the horizontal container is directly added as we’re utilizing Power Apps’ default form control.

Width:Width
Height:Height – Lbl_Screen_Header_1.Height

Step 3: Click on the “Insert” button and select the “Edit form” option, following the image reference provided. Ensure that you choose the Horizontal container and subsequently place the form inside this container.

Step 4: After adding the form and linking it with the data source, modify the form’s properties by setting the number of columns to 2 and choosing a horizontal layout. If you wish to omit certain fields or rearrange their order, access the “Edit fields” option located in the image below.

Step 5: Enabling the “Wrap” control for the form will result in the appearance depicted in the image below. This occurs due to the form’s minimum height being set to 250. To utilize the entire form space, a formula can be applied.

Step 6: Let’s incorporate the logic for the form’s minimum height by including the specified height within the formula provided below.

LayoutMinHeight: Parent.Height

Step 7: Upon minimizing the browser window, observe how all controls automatically adapt and adjust according to the screen size, ensuring optimal responsiveness.