Semantic Model Connection Issue

[davidlang92]

When I open a report file it prompts me with this error:

When I click on "Edit" it just goes to a white screen and does not allow me to select the new data source.

Any ideas on what I can try to fix this bug?

[v-ssriganesh]

Hi @davidlang92,

Thank you for posting your query in the Microsoft Fabric Community Forum, and thanks to @Direct & @grazitti_sapna for sharing valuable insights.

Could you please confirm if your query has been resolved by the provided solutions? This would be helpful for other members who may encounter similar issues.

Thank you for being part of the Microsoft Fabric Community.

[Direct · Accepted solution]

Hi @davidlang92 ,

The issue typically occurs when the report is connected to a Power BI semantic model (dataset) that you no longer have access to, or the dataset itself has been moved, renamed, or deleted.

Here are a few steps you can try to resolve it:

1. Verify Access:
Confirm that you still have Build permission on the semantic model (dataset) the report is connected to.
If it’s shared from another workspace, ensure you have access to that workspace as well.

2. Reconnect the Data Source (if access is lost):
Open the .pbix file in Power BI Desktop (not Service).
Go to File > Options and settings > Data source settings, and Clear Permissions for the old model.
Then, reconnect to the correct dataset via Home > Transform data > Data source settings > Change Source.

3. White Screen on Edit:
This often happens if Power BI Desktop is trying to load metadata from a model you can’t access.
Try opening Power BI Desktop → File > Options > Preview features → temporarily disable DirectQuery for Power BI datasets and Power BI Analysis Services (AS) → restart Power BI and reopen the file.

4. If it’s a shared report from Power BI Service:
Ask the dataset owner to verify the dataset is active and permissions are correctly assigned.
They can re-share the dataset with you or re-publish it if needed.

Happy to help!
Disha Shree | LinkedIn
If it worked for you, please mark it as Accepted and give it a Kudos 😊

[grazitti_sapna]

Hi @davidlang92 

This "Unable to connect" error indicates the report cannot access the semantic model (dataset) it references. Clicking "Edit" leading to a white screen suggests a issue often related to permissions, missing or deleted datasets, or a corrupted connection.

Try these troubleshooting steps and let us know if the issue still persists:

1. Confirm the semantic model (dataset) still exists in the Power BI workspace and that required user permissions are present.
2. If the dataset was deleted or moved, use "Get Data > Power BI semantic models" to connect to the correct dataset.
3. If "Edit" does not work, clear old credentials via Data Source Settings and try reconnecting.
4. If stuck at the white screen, update Power BI Desktop or rebuild the report from backup if possible.
5. In some cases, corrupted .pbix files can only be fixed by starting a new report and re-connecting to the source dataset.

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