How to add a local file to my live connection

[grantdt]

Hi all

I'm using Power BI January 2024 version.

I have a live connection to our actual data. Now I want to connect to an Excel file stored on my local drive. But all my 'Get data' options are greyed out.

I have read on another forum, that I need to change the live connection to a Direct query. However when I navigate to File, Options and Settings, Options and click on Data Load under Current file, it returns message "data loading options aren't available because this file uses a live connection to another model".

I've also read about "Preview features" under Options to enable this, but my version does not have this listed as an option.

I unfortunately cannot just work with the actual data, as targets make the information more meaningful. Is there anyone that encountered similar roadblock and able to offer a solution.

Thank you

[danextian · Accepted solution]

Hi @grantdt 

When you try to connect to another data source, you should be prompted to add a local model which turns the initial live connection into direct query. If this isn't the case for you, it is possible that  your current version of Power BI Desktop doesn't support it.

[grantdt]

Hi @danextian ,

Thanks for your reply. May I ask, are you running on Windows and which version are you using? I'm using windows version 2.124.1960.

Thanks!

[danextian]

Hi @grantdt 

I'm running on Windows and have the November 2024 version installed.

[Jai-Rathinavel]

@grantdt , Do the following steps

1. Open a blank report and connect to your semantic model

2. Once connected Click on Excel workbook, you will be prompted to Add a local model. 

3. Now Click on it to connect to your semantic model via Direct Query

4. Now you can work with the excel file and the semantic model tables within the same file.

5. You can also copy paste your existing visuals from your previous report to this file.

Did I answer your question? If yes, please mark my post as a solution.

Thanks,

Jai

[grantdt]

Hi @Jai-Rathinavel , thanks for your reply to assist.

I will keep your steps provided. But I think I need to update my version and then try. Currently once I connect to the live connection, then after that the Get data is greyed-out, so I'm unable to select/add anything beyond that.