Forum Discussion
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
7 Replies
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 how are you connecting via your active directory?
and if you go directly to sql can you see it?
vanessafvg wrote:DavidJLitttle how are you connecting via your active directory?
and if you go directly to sql can you see it?
Hi, if i connect directly via SSMS then i can see all DB's and if i connect via VB.Net connection string then i can happily populate the DB. Its just PowerBI cant see any of the 3 local DB'sDavidJLitttle dont know if this thread helps
https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Desktop/Limitations-on-Power-BI-with-SQL-Server-Express/td-p/73131
are you using direct query? what version are you on
