Forum Discussion

Sandeep's avatar
Sandeep
Helper I
10 years ago

Change connection to database

HI Team,

 

We have created few dashboards using existing Excel file. Now as a part of long term strategy we have uploaded the excel data into SQL Azure and automated the process of data refresh.

 

Now we would like to use the same .pbix file for dashboard from SQL Azure DB by changing the connection string from Excel source to SQL azure connection string.

 

The Database contains exactly the same column name and table name which was used in Excel.

 

Could you please help? Please let us know if you need more information.

 

Thanks

- Sandeep

4 Replies

  • MattAllington's avatar
    MattAllington
    Community Champion
    10 years ago

    I know for sure that you can't repoint an Excel connection of one type (say SQL) to another type (say Access). You have to delete the table and then re-add it with the new connector. My best guess is that it is the same here but can't be sure. 

    • Sandeep's avatar
      Sandeep
      Helper I
      10 years ago

      Thanks MAllington,

       

       

      Here is my thoughts:

       

      1. Open .pbix file and open in new Power BI Desktop window.

      2. Go to Edit query --> go to advance properties --> change connection string 

       

      3. Update Database name and Report dataset --> Save and close.

      4. Then it should bring back all the dashboard.

       

      but it seems, it is breaking the dashboard which is created using excel file which means it's not working.

       

      Thanks,

      Sandeep

       

      • Tsanka's avatar
        Tsanka
        Kudo Collector
        10 years ago

        When the change is in the database type (Excel->SSAS or MS SQL->SSAS  for instance) my way of doing is:

        1. backup the M expression of the old query (from advanced editor)
        2. create a new query that extracts the same dataset from the new datasource with columns names and types equal to the ones in the original query;
        3. replace  the old M expression with the new one.
        4. If things are okay, delete the new query

         

        May be it is not the smartest way, but it works for me (and saves me the effort of recreating the relationships)