SQLite error code=1 ("SQL error occurred or database is missing") when opening PBIX files downloaded

[lh2275]

Hi everyone,

I'm running into an error when opening PBIX files that colleagues shared via a Microsoft Teams channel (SharePoint document library).

Error message:
"An SQL error occurred or the database is missing. SQLite error code=1"

 Symptoms:

• Files are downloaded from a Teams channel's Files tab (SharePoint)
• The error appears immediately when opening the downloaded PBIX file
• It happens with some files but not others — files from certain colleagues open fine, while others consistently fail
• The same file may open without issues on another PC

Questions:

1. What exactly does SQLite error code=1 refer to in this context? Is Power BI Desktop failing to read an internal metadata store?
2. Could this be caused by a version mismatch — i.e., the file was saved with a newer Desktop version than mine?
3. Is there a recommended way to identify which Desktop version a PBIX file was saved with?

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

[v-aatheeque]

Hi @lh2275

We wanted to follow up to check if you’ve had an opportunity to review the previous responses. If you require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

[v-aatheeque]

Hi @lh2275 

Following up to confirm if the earlier responses addressed your query. If not, please share your questions and we’ll assist further.

[Kiran-7312]

Hi,

SQLite Error Code 1 usually indicates that Power BI cannot read or write to its local SQLite metadata database correctly. This can happen due to a corrupted local cache, an interrupted write operation, or insufficient disk space.

A few things you could check are:

* Restart Power BI Desktop and verify there is sufficient free disk space.
* Clear the local Power BI cache (if appropriate) and reopen the report.
* If the issue started after upgrading Power BI Desktop, try opening the PBIX with the latest version.
* If the PBIX file itself is affected, test whether the same error occurs with a new report.

Could you also share:

* The complete error message and error details.
* Whether the error occurs while opening the PBIX, refreshing data, or saving the report.
* The version of Power BI Desktop you're using.
* Whether the file is stored locally or on a network/OneDrive location.

These details will help determine whether the issue is related to the PBIX file, the local metadata database, or the environment.

[1903Johnson]

Troubleshooting steps

To narrow it down:

• Compare the Power BI Desktop version on:
  • your PC
  • a PC where the file opens
  • the author's PC
• Update your Desktop to the latest monthly release.
• Download the PBIX directly from SharePoint instead of Teams.
• Copy the PBIX to a local folder (for example, C:\Temp) before opening.
• Try opening a zipped copy provided directly by the colleague.
• Check the Power BI Desktop trace logs (File > Options and settings > Options > Diagnostics) or the logs under the Power BI Desktop tracing directory for a more specific SQLite message.

[Kedar_Pande · Accepted solution]

@lh2275 

1. Power BI keeps internal metadata in a SQLite store inside the PBIX. Your older Desktop doesn't recognize the newer schema, so it fails to read it and reports code=1

2. Yes, that's it. The files that open are from colleagues on your version or older. The ones that fail are from newer builds.

Fix: get everyone on the latest Desktop. Version drift across the team is the real problem, not the files.

If this answer helped, please click 👍 or Accept as Solution.
-Kedar
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kedar-pande