Forum Discussion

noamo48's avatar
noamo48
Frequent Visitor
8 years ago

How to upload PBIX using existing dataset?

I have three different PBIX files all using the same exact dataset - they are just different tabs of one main PBIX. Currently, when I upload a PBIX on app.powerbi.com, I am doing so using the "Import new data" feature, which automatically creates a dataset with the same name as the PBIX file, and which therefore leaves me with three differently-named but identical datasets.

 

I would like to be able to upload all three PBIX reports and have them all use the same dataset. This would save me from having to refresh all three datasets against my on-premises gateway, which is very resource-heavy because of the amount of records.

 

Is it possible to do this? If not, is there an alternative way for me to achieve using different tabs of the same report to build three different reports with the same dataset?

General Comment
Need Help
Tips and Tricks
Tutorial Requests

3 Replies

  • TomMartens's avatar
    TomMartens
    Icon for Super User rankSuper User
    8 years ago

    Hey,

     

    I would recommend the following:

     

    1. Create a 4th pbix file that just creates the data model, without any report
    2. Create reports that connect to the datamodel in the Power BI service

     

    Now you are able to publish these reports to the service and there is just one dataset.

    There is also some manual work to recreate your existing reports, because it's currently not possible to redirect reports with imported data to another dataset :-(, but once done it's a time safer.

     

    You have to be aware of the following. The reports and and the dataset have to reside in the same workspace.

     

    Hopefully this is what you are looking for

     

    Regards

    Tom

    • noamo48's avatar
      noamo48
      Frequent Visitor
      8 years ago

      Thank you for your suggestion! My problem with this solution is that once the PBIX points to a specific Power BI Service, that can no longer be changed to a different Power BI service.

       

      I tested it by logging into one account on Power BI desktop, and creating a standard report pointing to a Power BI Service/dataset. I saved the report, logged out of the Power BI account, logged into a different account, and re-opened the report. 

       

      After re-opening the report while logged into the second Power BI account, the option to change the data source (Get Data button) is now greyed out. Is there any way I can update the Power BI Service/dataset to point to a different one with this workflow?

       

       

      • TomMartens's avatar
        TomMartens
        Icon for Super User rankSuper User
        8 years ago

        Hey,

         

        actually i have to admit, that I do not fully understand what you are trying to achieve:

         

        Do you want to create the same datasets within three different services, meaning 3 different tenants?

        One account is always bound to one service, meaning one tenant.

         

        What I mean is

        1. Create a pbix, that just contains the data model and publish this pbix to the Service into the appropriate App Workspace
        2. Open a new and empty pbix connect to the Power BI Service data model and build your reports this 2nd pbix contains no data model and you can publish it to the same service in the same App workspace that you use in step 1.
        3. Repeat step two for each report you want to create 

        Be aware that the 2nd account has to be member of the App Workspace and due to the report authoring task this account also requires a Power BI Pro license.

         

        But maybe I did not understand what you want to achieve.

         

        Hopefully this helps somehow

         

        Regards

        Tom