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KimStahl94's avatar
KimStahl94
Icon for Helper I rankHelper I
4 years ago

Formula.Firewall Error which disappears after reloading the data model in PBI Desktop

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone could help me after I did not find any solution that helped me removing the following error:

Formula.Firewall: Query 'Query1' (step 'Source') references other queries or steps, so it may not directly access a data source. Please rebuild this data combination.

I already read the following topics on this topic but none had the solution. Except, I failed to execute the instructions:

1. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-query/dataprivacyfirewall (Every merging step is executed in a seperate query)

2. https://excelguru.ca/power-query-errors-please-rebuild-this-data-combination/ (All data is loaded into a staging area before merging steps take place, disabling privacy levels are still activated, deactivating did not help)

3.  https://www.thebiccountant.com/2020/11/16/improve-file-import-from-sharepoint-in-power-bi-and-power-query/ (I rebuild my SharePoint query to enhance the performance)

I also changed the data type from excel to csv. I am retrieving data solely from two SharePoint 365 folders with several subfolders (privacy level: organisation). I reshaped my query a dozen times and am still recieving the Error after loading my model in PBI Desktop for >15 minutes. After reloading within Power BI Desktop without any changes made the data model will be loaded.

 

If anyone of you guys has an idea what I am missing, please help me out. I can provide you more information if needed.

Regards

KS

6 Replies

  • (Every merging step is executed in a seperate query)

    Per my current understanding (and I may be wrong) that is the issue.  To avoid the formula firewall you should keep everything in the same partition.

    • KimStahl94's avatar
      KimStahl94
      Icon for Helper I rankHelper I

      Hi @lbendlin,

      thanks for your answer. In my understanding a partition is created after a merging step is executed. That is why I changed my query from the single query (left)  to the three queries (right).

       

      How could I keep it all in the same partition if a new partiton is created after the merge? Or am I getting the term partitions wrong? 
      Important note: Privacy Levels are all set to organisational. Shouldn't the firewall not be a problem then?

      Regards
      KS

      • lbendlin's avatar
        lbendlin
        Icon for Super User rankSuper User

        Avoid merging at all cost.  Either do the joins further upstream, or use separate dataflows, or let the data model do the work for you.