Forum Discussion

simp's avatar
simp
Icon for Helper I rankHelper I
9 years ago
Solved

Can not hyperlink to file in computer

Hello, In current May update we have URL type support for file, I already format column's data category as Web URL but still not working, Here is for example --> file://D:/File.xlsb  
Need Help
  • v-jiascu-msft's avatar
    v-jiascu-msft
    9 years ago

    Hi, simp

     

    As Phil_Seamark just cited, it would work if we do exactly as the document said. Though this isn't that smart.

    1. File link just works in Power BI Service.

    2. If click or right click doesn't work. we can right click and copy the "link address" (in chrome). Then paste in the browser. It works. If the file can't be opened by the browser, it would be downloaded as a file.

    3. It just works in local meachine.

     

    Hope this helps.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Best regards.

    Dale 

simp's avatar
simp
Icon for Helper I rankHelper I
9 years ago

How to get it work? any example...

v-jiascu-msft's avatar
v-jiascu-msft
Icon for Microsoft Employee rankMicrosoft Employee
9 years ago

Hi, simp

 

As Phil_Seamark just cited, it would work if we do exactly as the document said. Though this isn't that smart.

1. File link just works in Power BI Service.

2. If click or right click doesn't work. we can right click and copy the "link address" (in chrome). Then paste in the browser. It works. If the file can't be opened by the browser, it would be downloaded as a file.

3. It just works in local meachine.

 

Hope this helps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best regards.

Dale 

  • astewart18's avatar
    astewart18
    Frequent Visitor
    9 years ago

    Hi v-jiascu-msft,

     

    I have a the same issue as the OP, and I beliveve a valid use-case. I am trying to build a dashboard to help search for similar jobs done previously to assist in producing a proposal. Once a previous job with the right sort of criteria has been identified, the user should be able to click on a link to open up the directory on a network drive that contains all the design documentation that was produced.

     

    As mentioned by others, an http:// url works fine, but a file:// URL is blocked, although right click cut and paste does allow the location to be opened. This is not going to be intuitive for the users, though.

     

    The design documentation can't be moved from the file server, there is too much impact. While installing a WebDav server to point at the file system would work around the protocol block, it would lead to other complications when trying to edit/copy the design documentation.

     

    The restriction must be a security setting somewhere, and should be able to be adjusted. Does anybody know if there is a solution, or if one is being worked on, or failing that where I would be best to escalate this as a feature request?

     

    Ironically, I can achieve what the users are asking for in Excel, but the point of trying to move to Power BI is to get away from shared Excel spreadsheets....

  • simp's avatar
    simp
    Icon for Helper I rankHelper I
    9 years ago

    Hi v-jiascu-msft,

     

    Okay, i understand right now

    Thank you

     

    Hope next version we can do it (click and go to web browser or able to copy the file type URL) right from power bi for desktop

     

  • avkeren's avatar
    avkeren
    Frequent Visitor
    8 years ago

    Hi,

     

    I have a pdf file.

    the path I used was file://C:/.... 

    When I right click (working on the power bi service) the only option I get is to select "Show Data" (coming from the Power BI menu).

    I don't get the brother menu so there is no option to right click and copy the "link address"

     

    Thanks for any help....