A DirectQuery Connection Is Required - Taking Data Ownership For A Developer Who Left Company

Hi danielpaduck ,

Thank you for question. Based on the two options you presented, I will analyze the pros and cons of both for you:

1. Add the Excel File to the Existing Dataset

    You need to be CAUTIOUS. Please note that adding data to a DirectQuery dataset can be complex and may require changes to the underlying data source or the creation of a composite model.

Here are the steps:

1. Connect to the existing dataset using DirectQuery in the Power BI Desktop.
2. Use the "Import" connectivity mode for the Excel file.
3. Combine the data as needed using Power Query Editor.

4. Publish the changes to the service and ensure that the dataset refreshes successfully.

    

   For more information on this you can check out the following links:

   https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about

2. Create a Second Workspace

   If you want to avoid any risk to the production environment, creating a second workspace is a SAFER option.

   Here's how to do it:

     1.Create a new workspace in Power BI Service and copy the Semantic model and the report to the new workspace.

2. Add the Excel file to the dataset in the new workspace.
3. Make the necessary changes and test thoroughly.
4. Once tested, you can consider replacing the production dataset with the updated one from the new workspace.

^{Best Regards,}

^{Yifan Wang}

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