Formula.Firewall: Query references other queries, so it may not directly access a data source.

[markive]

I am getting the following error:

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

In my first query I am accessing an API to get a list of URLs. In the second query it uses this list of URLs to then go back to the API and request all of the data.

I understand what the complaint is, but how do I get around it? I am actually always hitting the same domain for both queries, but maybe it doesn't know that. I suppose it wouldn't know that until runtime.

I have read that in Excel PowerQuery you can go to:

File=>Options and Settings=>Options and set the Ignore Privacy Levels option.

But no such option seems to exist in Powe BI Desktop. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong or how I can get around this restriction, it seems like a common usage scenario?

[Arcux]

Dead link

[GML]

Updated URL for Ken Pul's article: https://excelguru.ca/power-query-errors-please-rebuild-this-data-combination/ 

[DmitryKo]

First of all, this link mentioned no longer exist, so this is definitely not a solution.

Then. In my scenario, I've defined a transformation for a JSON file from a known format as a formula. This transformation DOES use data from other sources, because it's exactly what makes it useful as a formula, and the very reason for it to be converted into a formula.

Problem is, this formula becomes useless due to this error - unless I go and apply the security settings fix.

I understand this won't work in the cloud. But then, how to fix it AND keep the formula useful?

[ecalzavara]

Hey mate, have you found any 2023 solution?

[Linnil]

I always know it's a good solution when I see Matt's name!

[nickvanmaele]

Thank you Matt. That solved the problem. 

[zuludogm]

The error can occur from privacy permissions as well. It may be necessary to take the steps outlined in the solution above and also to change the privacy options.  File>Options and settings>Query Options>Privacy

Then choose "Always ignore privacy level settings".

[ThLo]

Thanks, this solved my today problem!

[fduran]

I actually ran across this same error...

Going to: Options --> CURRENT FILE --> Privacy then setting the Privacy Level to "ignore the privacy levels and potentailly improve performance" did the trick.

Thank you so much guys!

@zuludogm 

Fernando

[Anonymous]

That was brilliant, it worked like charm!!! thank you 🙂

[stretcharm]

There are some good blog posts about this. https://blog.crossjoin.co.uk/2017/06/26/data-privacy-settings-in-power-bipower-query-part-3-the-form... https://www.excelguru.ca/blog/2015/03/11/power-query-errors-please-rebuild-this-data-combination/

[Shiva799]

I'm getting same error but Im not using excel sheet but sql stored procedure query. Is there any solution for this?

[mandyhpnguyen]

I found this video which fixed my problem with excel sheets too. Check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_kgvkgU8iI

[MarkCBB]

@MattAllington Thank you for sharing, the Blog by Ken Puls, saved alot of my hair. (Very frustrating, but the below made sence and helped alot).

[markive]

Hi @MattAllington, thanks for the info.. 

Yes I was able to get around it just now by effectively moving all of the steps from the other query into the same query. This gets around the problem but it's a bit annoying.

[michaelshparber]

@markive 

All steps in the same Query! Without "Reference"!!!

This did the trick!

You are a lifesaver!!!

Thank you so much!

Michael