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DavidJLitttle's avatar
DavidJLitttle
Frequent Visitor
7 years ago

Can connect to SQL Server but Databases are not visible

Afternoon, Im trying to connect to a local SQL Server Express Database. I can connect to the local server fine, but PowerBI doesnt list any databses available under the server ? I cant work out why
Need Help
Anonymous's avatar
Anonymous
Not applicable
6 years ago

When you don't specify a database (the optional field below the server address) PowerBI tries to connect to a master system DB. It's best practice to specify the database. If you have the correct permissions you will be able to connect and explore tables. The case with the Databases not showing is likely an issue with the databases. I had a user who could only preview 4 out of 5 DBs. Upon investigation I found one DB was stuck in CREATING state, so it's likely the power query connector can't recognize it's online and available (just a theory but it's the only major difference between the 5 dbs). No sure how it works in express (I'm in Azure SQL), but SELECT * FROM sys.databases in master will show you state. You may need to back up the db turn everything off and turn it on again (so helpful). 


DavidJLitttle