Excel Power Query Plan to Combine Monthly Files From a Folder
Combine many files with the same layout into one table.
The Open buttons send the prompt text as currently shown below to that site only when you click. Fill in the placeholders first.
[VERIFY] is an editorial flag, not a blank to fill. Wherever the prompt shows [VERIFY], check that item against a reliable source before you use it.
I have one file per month in a folder, all with the same layout, and want one combined table in Excel that updates when I add next month's file. Folder naming and file types: [FILE_NAMING]. Layout of each file (headings and sample rows): [LAYOUT_SAMPLE]. Information that is only in the file or sheet name: [FILE_NAME_INFO]. Problems seen: [PROBLEMS]. Explain the approach: connect to the folder, filter to the right files, combine, and transform the sample file. Then give ordered steps, with reasons, to add the month from the file name, remove header rows repeated in each file, handle a different sheet name, and exclude temporary or backup files, with M-style formulas where a custom column is needed [VERIFY]. Explain what to do about a different encoding or decimal comma, and how to avoid breakage when a file is open elsewhere. List the risks (a wrong layout, a duplicated month, a file left open, changed column names) and where a beginner is likely to get stuck. Test with two files before adding all. Build a control table with Month, Rows, Total amount and Status, plus the number of files loaded and first and last month, with a rule flagging a missing or duplicate month. Monthly routine of six steps: drop in the new file, refresh, check the control table, check totals against the source, save with the date, note anything unusual.
Fill in before use
Optional: type your details and the prompt above updates. Nothing is saved or sent.
Replace each bracketed placeholder with your own details, then paste into Any AI or another assistant.