Display data stored in invalid files in the data bricks folder using power BI

[AnithaB]

We are in the process of building a data query and the data quality dashboard for our internal usage. We are extracting the data from our delta tables based on the source name and the invalid files that have been extracted while loading the data into our delta tables are stored in data bricks in multiple folders. These invalid files include duplicate records, special character records, null records etc.

The path where the invalid files are present is available in data bricks and can be displayed onto the matrix report in our visual. The task is to be able to click on the path which would then open the files present in the data bricks layer in power BI.

We would like to know if this is a feasible approach and if yes request your assistance in this regard.

TIA

[Akash_Varuna]

Hi @AnithaB Yes the approach feasible. Display invalid file paths from Databricks in Power BI by querying paths and converting them into clickable hyperlinks. Ensure file access via web URLs or API endpoints, linking to files or Databricks notebooks for viewing. Use secure access methods like Databricks Access Tokens and include metadata (e.g., error types) for richer insights.

[freginier]

Hi 

Yes, it's technically feasible — but with limitations.

Power BI does not support direct clickable file browsing into Databricks file storage (DBFS) from a visual. However, here are a few workarounds:

1. Export path as URL (if accessible via HTTPS):
   If your invalid files are accessible via a web endpoint (like Azure Blob Storage or DBFS with a public or token-based link), store that full URL in your data and use the Web URL data category in Power BI. Clicking the link will open the file in browser.

2. Use Power Automate button:
   Add a Power Automate visual that takes the file path as input and triggers a flow to fetch or open the file (e.g. download from DBFS to OneDrive or SharePoint).

3. Databricks notebook preview link:
   If files are only viewable from Databricks UI, generate notebook or DBFS preview links in Databricks and expose those in Power BI.

Important: You cannot directly browse DBFS like a file explorer from Power BI. You need a link or API endpoint to enable this.

Let me know how your files are hosted (e.g. Blob, DBFS internal, mounted storage) and I can give more targeted steps.

freginier