Forum Discussion
Direct Query and Enterprise: migrating from import
As far as I know, it does not work. And think about it, there is a good reason to that:
- What to do, if you have changed the model in your file after the import?
- Or other way around: What do you do, if the server changed a lot, but your local model did not? A lot of conflicts would come up.
- Further, please note that in the "imported"-model, you can model the relationships yourself and also the data structure etc.. This would get ripped apart, if you use the direct query.
My recommendation:
Rebuild it. Power BI reports are created pretty fast and the application has improved a lot since July/August.
HI calebsg I am in the same position as you. Changing over to direct query soon. From what I can see you need to actually build the query again - I have not been able to work out a way of changing from import to direct query whithout starting again.
When you first GET DATA -> SQL -> server name -> pick table -> load->
you only then get to decide if you want import or Direct Query
If you have already created a PBIX file which imports the tables I don't think you can just change it to Direct Query.
Everything here.
https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/powerbi-desktop-use-directquery/
Rgds
ED
As far as I know, it does not work. And think about it, there is a good reason to that:
- What to do, if you have changed the model in your file after the import?
- Or other way around: What do you do, if the server changed a lot, but your local model did not? A lot of conflicts would come up.
- Further, please note that in the "imported"-model, you can model the relationships yourself and also the data structure etc.. This would get ripped apart, if you use the direct query.
My recommendation:
Rebuild it. Power BI reports are created pretty fast and the application has improved a lot since July/August.
Hi Bjoern - seems you agree with me that it needs to be rebuilt.
Wondering if anyone knows if there is any way to check if a Power BI file is setup as either imported or direct query.
I am quering one SQL database and made the connection to the first table as a direct query connection. When I came back later and added the next few connections to tables I didn't get the option to use either direct query or import for connecting to the tables.Is there any way to check to make sure the entire pbix will be getting its data through direct query?
Or do I have to setup the connection to all the tables the first time and make sure direct query is selected then.Cheers. ED
If you have 3 options down the left hand side (Report Design, Data View, Relationships) then it is imported.
If only two (no data view) it is direct query.
Hi Thanks for this reply, I am in the same situation. Does that mean if have to use schduled Enterprise Gateway i have to use Drirect Query and loose all the custom modelling features ?
I have done few measures and columns using "Import" option but i am not able to schduele it to refresh automatically.
Please help. Thanks
Hi charitydatasol You dont have to use the Enterprise Gateway. The Personal gateway will allow scheduled refreshes - as long as the machine it is installed on is powered on and connected to the internet.
You should be able to check your gateway status by going to the gateway section under Power BI website.
top right of the page.
remember that with the Import process you are only allowed 8 refreshes a day.
Only Direct Query allows automatic refresh of data up to Power BI Online.
