Forum Discussion
SQLite error code=1 ("SQL error occurred or database is missing") when opening PBIX files downloaded
Hi everyone,
I'm running into an error when opening PBIX files that colleagues shared via a Microsoft Teams channel (SharePoint document library).
Error message:
"An SQL error occurred or the database is missing. SQLite error code=1"
Symptoms:
- Files are downloaded from a Teams channel's Files tab (SharePoint)
- The error appears immediately when opening the downloaded PBIX file
- It happens with some files but not others — files from certain colleagues open fine, while others consistently fail
- The same file may open without issues on another PC
Questions:
- What exactly does SQLite error code=1 refer to in this context? Is Power BI Desktop failing to read an internal metadata store?
- Could this be caused by a version mismatch — i.e., the file was saved with a newer Desktop version than mine?
- Is there a recommended way to identify which Desktop version a PBIX file was saved with?
Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!
1. Power BI keeps internal metadata in a SQLite store inside the PBIX. Your older Desktop doesn't recognize the newer schema, so it fails to read it and reports code=1
2. Yes, that's it. The files that open are from colleagues on your version or older. The ones that fail are from newer builds.
Fix: get everyone on the latest Desktop. Version drift across the team is the real problem, not the files.
If this answer helped, please click 👍 or Accept as Solution.
-Kedar
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kedar-pande
5 Replies
1. Power BI keeps internal metadata in a SQLite store inside the PBIX. Your older Desktop doesn't recognize the newer schema, so it fails to read it and reports code=1
2. Yes, that's it. The files that open are from colleagues on your version or older. The ones that fail are from newer builds.
Fix: get everyone on the latest Desktop. Version drift across the team is the real problem, not the files.
If this answer helped, please click 👍 or Accept as Solution.
-Kedar
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kedar-pandeTroubleshooting steps
To narrow it down:
- Compare the Power BI Desktop version on:
- your PC
- a PC where the file opens
- the author's PC
- Update your Desktop to the latest monthly release.
- Download the PBIX directly from SharePoint instead of Teams.
- Copy the PBIX to a local folder (for example, C:\Temp) before opening.
- Try opening a zipped copy provided directly by the colleague.
- Check the Power BI Desktop trace logs (File > Options and settings > Options > Diagnostics) or the logs under the Power BI Desktop tracing directory for a more specific SQLite message.
- Compare the Power BI Desktop version on:
Hi,
SQLite Error Code 1 usually indicates that Power BI cannot read or write to its local SQLite metadata database correctly. This can happen due to a corrupted local cache, an interrupted write operation, or insufficient disk space.
A few things you could check are:
* Restart Power BI Desktop and verify there is sufficient free disk space.
* Clear the local Power BI cache (if appropriate) and reopen the report.
* If the issue started after upgrading Power BI Desktop, try opening the PBIX with the latest version.
* If the PBIX file itself is affected, test whether the same error occurs with a new report.Could you also share:
* The complete error message and error details.
* Whether the error occurs while opening the PBIX, refreshing data, or saving the report.
* The version of Power BI Desktop you're using.
* Whether the file is stored locally or on a network/OneDrive location.These details will help determine whether the issue is related to the PBIX file, the local metadata database, or the environment.
Hi lh2275
We wanted to follow up to check if you’ve had an opportunity to review the previous responses. If you require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to let us know.Hi lh2275
Following up to confirm if the earlier responses addressed your query. If not, please share your questions and we’ll assist further.
