Forum Discussion
Helper I404 error. Web Contents failed
I don’t remember the exact wording of the original post, but here’s what worked for me:
I had to update all my Web.Contents connections to SharePoint.Files connections using the SharePoint Folder option in Power BI’s “Get Data” menu. This was due to a persistent 404 error that was preventing my report from refreshing.
After doing some research (including using Copilot), I found that Microsoft made a change that affects how Power BI connects to SharePoint-hosted files.
🔄 Power BI now favors using SharePoint.Contents or SharePoint.Files over Web.Contents for accessing files in SharePoint.
The Web.Contents method is now more prone to:
- Authentication issues
- Path sensitivity
- 404 errors, especially when folder structures or permissions change
I love Microsoft, but in this case, the change cost me over 5 hours of rework — I had to update 5 tables in a large report I manage for my job.
Helper IThe 2nd reply I recived Yesterday was accurate and very helpful. Thank you for reaching back out. I no longer see the 2nd reply not sure why I guess the person deleted it.
Super UserWhat's the second reply? You may post it here and mark it as solution so that other users can find it.
thanks!
- Russo
I don’t remember the exact wording of the original post, but here’s what worked for me:
I had to update all my Web.Contents connections to SharePoint.Files connections using the SharePoint Folder option in Power BI’s “Get Data” menu. This was due to a persistent 404 error that was preventing my report from refreshing.
After doing some research (including using Copilot), I found that Microsoft made a change that affects how Power BI connects to SharePoint-hosted files.
🔄 Power BI now favors using SharePoint.Contents or SharePoint.Files over Web.Contents for accessing files in SharePoint.
The Web.Contents method is now more prone to:
- Authentication issues
- Path sensitivity
- 404 errors, especially when folder structures or permissions change
I love Microsoft, but in this case, the change cost me over 5 hours of rework — I had to update 5 tables in a large report I manage for my job.
- MasonMA
Yes, using Power BI built-in connector is more reliable! Please mark your answer as solution so that other users can benefit when they have similar problems and look for solutions on this platform:)