Hi @ErikLiffner ,
@andrewsommer is almost certainly correct here.
The symptoms you described (Transform Data being empty and tables disappearing) are the classic signs that you have downloaded a "Thin Report" (Live Connection) file, not the original Dataset file.
Here is what is happening and how to fix it:
1. The Architecture Trap In Power BI, there is a difference between the Report (Visuals) and the Semantic Model (Data, Tables, Relationships, Power Query).
When you create a report in the Service or connect to a Dataflow/Dataset, you are often creating a "Live Connection".
When you download that file (.pbix), you are only downloading the Visual Layer.
The actual data logic (Transformations, Calculated Tables) stays in the Cloud (in the Semantic Model). That is why "Transform Data" is empty. Because there are no queries in your file; they are all in the cloud model you are pointing to.
2. Why the tables "Disappear" When you open a Live Connected report:
You do not get a "Data View" (the grid icon on the left disappears).
If you try to "Apply Changes" to a connection that is confused, Power BI might be resetting your view to show only what is locally defined (which is nothing). This causes the field list to blank out or show errors.
3. The Solution You cannot edit the data structure in this file. You are holding the "Presentation" file, but you need the "Database" file.
Check the Status Bar: Look at the bottom right corner of Power BI Desktop. Does it say "Connected live to the Power BI dataset..."? If yes, this confirms it is a Thin Report.
Find the Source: You need to find the separate .pbix file that contains the actual Semantic Model.
If you created the model in the Service, you need to go to the Workspace, find the Semantic Model (not the Report), click the three dots ..., and try to Download this file (if allowed).
If you cannot download the Semantic Model, you must edit the transformations in the Dataflow itself or create a new composite model.
In short: You didn't lose data; you just downloaded a "viewer" file instead of the "builder" file.
Hope this clears up the mystery!
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This response was assisted by AI for translation and formatting purposes.
