Forum Discussion
No transformations possible when using a existing dataset as source?
Hi All,
In my company we are experimenting with retrieving data via an API directly to a dataset in Power BI.
What I always do, is connect to our datawarehouse or databases, use import mode and I will do the transformations.
Now, a developer has set up an API to retrieve data from a third party application and publishes it as a new dataset to a workspace. In Power BI Desktop I can connect to this dataset, but I can't do any transformations. I also can't add other data sources. Is this function limited and is this normal?
If these are limitations, then we will push it into a new database, which I will then use as my source so that I can do the needed transformations.
Thank you for your time.
Hi, DeBIe ;
According to the official document. about live connection's limit.
- Since this connection is a live connection, left-navigation and modeling are disabled. You can only connect to one dataset in each report. This behavior is similar to the behavior when connected to SQL Server Analysis Services. However, the following article describes how a new feature in Power BI now makes this possible: see using DirectQuery for Power BI datasets and Azure Analysis Services (preview).
1.Since the functionality is currently in preview, you must first enable it. To do so, in Power BI Desktop go to File > Options and settings > Options, and in the Preview features section, select the DirectQuery for Power BI datasets and Analysis Services
2.You can click make changes to this mode on the icon in the lower right corner of PowerBI.
3.Now you can import other data sources
Best Regards,
Community Support Team_ Yalan Wu
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
10 Replies
Hi, DeBIe ;
According to the official document. about live connection's limit.
- Since this connection is a live connection, left-navigation and modeling are disabled. You can only connect to one dataset in each report. This behavior is similar to the behavior when connected to SQL Server Analysis Services. However, the following article describes how a new feature in Power BI now makes this possible: see using DirectQuery for Power BI datasets and Azure Analysis Services (preview).
1.Since the functionality is currently in preview, you must first enable it. To do so, in Power BI Desktop go to File > Options and settings > Options, and in the Preview features section, select the DirectQuery for Power BI datasets and Analysis Services
2.You can click make changes to this mode on the icon in the lower right corner of PowerBI.
3.Now you can import other data sources
Best Regards,
Community Support Team_ Yalan Wu
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.v-yalanwu-msft Amazing thank you very much for the info, this brings me a step further.
I am now able to connect other data sources, which is great. I am not able to do transformations in the query editor tho, but it's nice to see that I can already add columns in the report view. I think the preview feature is nice, but we will probably go for a separate database for the data to use the normal and unlimited import connection.
Hi, DeBIe ;
I'm glad this is helpful to you. There are really big limitations in PowerQuery, which is powerBI itself. Only in import mode is much less restrictive.
If it helps you, Would you mind accept the helpful replies as solutions? Then we are able to close the thread.thanks!
Best Regards,
Community Support Team_ Yalan Wu
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
DeBIe , In the newer release you can do a direct query on the dataset(after July 2021), when you try to add any other dataset it gives an option for that. Check in the latest version
Also check any preview setting for that
amitchandak thank you for your reply.
Can you explain/tell me how I can do this? I can't find a related article on this matter.
As you can see in the screenshot below, lots of options are unavailable when connected. I also can't choose directquery/import setting. I also cannot go into query editor and then choose power bi datasets, because the option is not there.
Hi there, I know this is nearly a year old but I have the same issue with the options greyed out.
Did you manage to resolve this or find a workaround?
Many thanksChris
