Try Catch with failing Excel Reader Node - can't activate alternative branch

HI KNIMErs,

I really have difficulties executing the alternative branch, when an Excel Reader node fails within a Try-Catch block.

Here’s a screenshot of my setup, I tried it both with and without Active Branch Inverter:

I also use an Empty Table Creator as I have assumed, I cannot start the workflow with a Try (Variable Ports) node.

Within the Component I have basically an Upload Widget which then should feed an Excel Reader, but these never get active (at least ‘red traffic light’) so I also cannot configure the Excel Reader Node.

What am I missing?

Here’s my workflow so far:

hub.knime.com

Thank you in advance!