Help with Column Data Type Conversion

Hi rcgx13 

Basically, what happens is Power BI sees your column as a number at first, and then it tries to convert it to text. This usually leads to some headaches, especially if your IDs start with letters. 
 
 
1. Set the Column Data Type to Text in Power Query 
 
First things first, you need to fire up the Power Query Editor (you can find it under Transform Data in Power BI). 
 
Now, find your Organization ID column in there. 
 
Once you spot it, just click on the little dropdown menu next to the column name and choose Text. 
 
Here’s a little tip: If you’re still seeing errors afterward, go ahead and delete that pesky 'Changed Type' step from the Applied Steps pane. 
 
Don’t forget to click Close & Apply to save all your hard work! 
 
2. Look Out for Incorrect Auto-Detection 
 
Sometimes, Power BI might mistakenly think those IDs are numbers instead of text, which can mess things up. 
 
To fix this, you can use the Text.PadStart() function in Power Query. Try something like this: 
 
= Table.TransformColumns(Source, {{"Organization ID", each Text.From(_), type text}}) 
 
This will make sure that all your values are treated as text, even if they look like numbers. 

1. 

    

    
    
    
   3. Remove Errors if Necessary 
    
   If you still see errors hanging around, it's time to take action. 
    
   In Power Query, head over to "Transform" and then "Replace Errors." 
    
   You can replace those errors with a placeholder like "Unknown" or just "Error." Whatever floats your boat! 
    
   4. Check in the Data Model 
    
   After you've made those changes, swing by the Data View in Power BI. 
    
   You’ll want to ensure that all your IDs—whether they’re numbers or letters—show up as text, and, crucially, without any errors. 
   
   

   Best regards,
   Ray Minds
   http://www.rayminds.com
   https://www.linkedin.com/company/rayminds/

   If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.