Connection Error While Refreshing Data in Power BI Desktop – Transport-Level SQL Error

[manoj_0911]

Connection Error While Refreshing Data in Power BI Desktop – Transport-Level SQL Error

Dear Team,

I am encountering a recurring issue in Power BI Desktop while refreshing data from my SQL Server data source. Below are the details:

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Issue Description:

While attempting to apply pending changes or refresh data, I receive the following error message:

OLE DB or ODBC error: [DataSource.Error] Microsoft SQL: A transport-level error has occurred when receiving results from the server. 
(provider: TCP Provider, error: 0 - An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host.)

As a result, dependent tables like DATE_TIME_V also fail to load.

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Environment Details:

• Power BI Desktop version: July 2025

• SQL Server data source : Import

• Table involved: IVR_SUBHOUR_V

• Internet/network connection: using home Wi-Fi to connect to corporate VPN

• Occurrence: frequent

• Report name: 08-CCC-IVA PERFORMANCE SUMMARY & DETAIL REPORT

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Steps Already Taken:

• Restarted Power BI Desktop and retried

Request:

Could you please help me identify the root cause and suggest a permanent fix for this transport-level error?

Please let me know if any additional logs or diagnostic information is required from my end.

Thank you for your support.

Best regards,
Manoj Prabhakar Selvaraj

[leap]

I have followed the solution steps but got below error

OLE DB or ODBC error: [DataSource.Error] Microsoft SQL: A transport-level error has occurred when receiving results from the server. (provider: TCP Provider, error: 0 - The semaphore timeout period has expired.).

[leap]

Correction!  When used the Wired Ethernet Connection it worked!!! 

Thank you. 

[v-echaithra]

Hi @manoj_0911 ,

We wanted to follow up to see if the issue you reported has been fully resolved. If you still have any concerns or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to let us know, we’re here to help.

We truly appreciate your patience and look forward to assisting you further if needed.

Warm regards,
Chaithra E.

[v-echaithra]

Hi @manoj_0911 ,

We’d like to follow up regarding the recent concern. Kindly confirm whether the issue has been resolved, or if further assistance is still required. We are available to support you and are committed to helping you reach a resolution.

Thank you for your patience and look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Chaithra E.

[v-echaithra]

Hi @manoj_0911 ,

Thank you @GrowthNatives  for your inputs.
We would like to confirm if you've successfully resolved this issue or if you need further help. If you still have any questions or need more support, please feel free to let us know. We are more than happy to continue to help you.

Thank you for your patience and look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Chaithra E.

[GrowthNatives · Accepted solution]

Hi @manoj_0911 ,

You can follow below steps to solve this :

1. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection .

2. Reconnect VPN Fresh before opening Power BI.
3. Split Query: Limit the size of data from IVR_SUBHOUR_V using filters or parameters (e.g., only current month).
4. Check Query Timeout Settings:

• Go to Data Source Settings in Power BI.

• Click Change Source > Advanced options, and increase Command Timeout to 10+ minutes.

5. Client-Side Configuration

• Power BI Desktop Options:

  • Go to File → Options and settings → Options → Data Load. Under Global → Data Load, increase Background Data Timeout to higher value.

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[leap]

I followed the steps and worked when using the ethernet connection.  

Much appreciate the solution post.