Not able to install R library in PowerBI

[Anonymous]

Hi, 

I am trying to install R library in PowerBI R editor

If i write: 

install.packages('mice', lib=.libPaths())

I get error message that

the lib element  C:\Program Files\R\R-3.6.2\library is not a writable directory

If i write

install.packages('mice')

I get

Error Message:
R script error.
Installing package into 'C:/Users/my name/Library'
(as 'lib' is unspecified)
Error in contrib.url(repos, "source") :
trying to use CRAN without setting a mirror
Calls: install.packages -> contrib.url
Execution halted

If i write

install.packages("plotrix", lib = "C:/Program Files/R/R-3.6.3/library")

I get the same error message as above.

What should I do???

Thanks in advance!

[ImkeF]

Why do you want to install it via Power BI?

Power BI performs actions that are repeatable (i.e.regular data refreshes) but you'd normally install a package just once.

[Anonymous]

Is it possible to use library out of Powerbi and still use it in Powerbi? How to do that? When I install library in R studio, it is saved in a temp folder as I can see... and not possible to use it in powerbi...

[ImkeF]

Change the installation path in R Studio to the path that you've entered in your PBI settings:

 

[Anonymous]

Do you mean C:\Program Files\R\R-3.6.2\library? But i just found this folder is read only and however i change it to writable, it will be changed back automatically...

[ImkeF]

Sorry, I might have given the wrong advice here.

My R-libraries are installed in a local folder in the documents-path of my user.

I don't understand the details behind it, so hopefully someone else jumps in here.

[Anonymous]

hmmm... what do u mean? you mean you R libraries, were downloaded via R studio, saved in a local folder, and you can use them in PowerBI??? How does that work? Where did you save them and how did you let PowerBI know where they are?

[ImkeF]

Actually, I didn't let Power BI know where they are.

Instead I just "told" R-Studio where they are: 

[Anonymous]

I have exactly the same setting in R studio as you do and in Powerbi options...

how come it doesnt work for me? 

Did you just write install.packages('name_of_lib') in R script editor in Powerbi? See the initial post, I have tried different combinitions and still doesnt work...

[ImkeF]

Hi @Anonymous 

I have NEVER installed any package through Power BI.

I'm always using R-Studio to install my packages.

Unfortunately I have no idea why - if you also intall your packages through R-Studio- Power BI would not recognize them.

[Anonymous]

I followed this post, but when I finish step 5, a new R studio session will be opened for me, but it is totally blank and does not carry any variable from Powerbi into it... 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/desktop-r-ide

[ImkeF]

Hi @Anonymous 

I'm not using this functionality, so cannot give any tips on that, unfortunately.

.