Export Template with Datasource Credentials

[SLehmann]

Hi friends,

i have a problem from which i hope you can assist me.

When i create a pbi Desktop template (.pbit) the added credentials will not saved inside this file.

The problem is, that any user who should use this template to create reports will asked for the credentials.

This is a big security issue in our environemt becuase just our IT department knows theese credentials.

So designers can't do their job. -.-

I noticed that crdentials will not be saved inside the file but it'll be saved in the user.zip inside

C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Power BI Desktop\user.zip

When i move this file to the computer of the affected user, we will get the "enter credentials" screen anyway.

I thought about a certificate in the cert store which have also moved or copied but i am not sure.

Is there any way to share a pbit or pbix with the credentials inside?

Best regards
Sebastian

[Icey · Accepted solution]

Hi @SLehmann ,

I find one guess from @ioamnesia and I agree with him. This may the cause of the issue you meet.

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Best guess: the credentials.bin file inside the zip is encrypted with either a certificate or stored value (perhaps in the credential manager) on the source computer and that key does not exist on the "different computer" you moved the zip to.

Reference: Solved: Re: Query Editor requires credentials? - Microsoft Power BI Community

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In addition, how about publishing your .pbix file to Power BI Service and other users can copy the report or create new reports based on the dataset? For these two options, it is only needed to give permission of the dataset, not needed to enter credentials manually by each user. For details, please refer to these official documents:

Copy reports from other apps or workspaces - Power BI | Microsoft Docs;

Connect to datasets in the Power BI service from Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Docs.

Best Regards,

Icey

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