link path to SQL Server

[CahabaData]

in the basic on premise Get Data scenario - if one chooses Excel - you're presented the standard file explorer method to go and find the excel file you wish to use....  just a little background....

but if you select SQL Server - one gets prompted for the server name and database name (optional); not file explorer

so is the server name suppose to be a full path string name? ... assuming the SQL server is elsewhere on the LAN and not the same machine as where PBI is installed.....

[Phil_Seamark · Accepted solution]

Ideally you should use the fully qualified domain name to avoid any issues downstream when you setup refreshing via one of the Gateways.

But you can always update that later.  In the meantime you can use the netbios name of the machine.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

hI @CahabaData

If the SQL Server is in the same domain and has no instances, the path looks like "SCPBISQL01" or similar.

If the SQL Server is in the same domain and has instances, the path looks like "SCPBISQL01\Instance" or similar.

If the SQL is not in the same domain, then you need the fully qualified domain name as @Phil_Seamark wrote.

The name of the Database is optional, but if you know the name of the DB, is better to provide it.

[CahabaData]

then does: SCPBISQL01\Instance

go into the Server Name field in PBI?

[Anonymous]

yes 😉

[CahabaData]

Schönen Dank 

not sure I saw the instance info in any of the documentation I was researching on this before......

[Phil_Seamark · Accepted solution]

Ideally you should use the fully qualified domain name to avoid any issues downstream when you setup refreshing via one of the Gateways.

But you can always update that later.  In the meantime you can use the netbios name of the machine.

[CahabaData]

thanks - though must admit I don't get it - but then it isn't my field so much.... with Netbios or 'fully qualified domain name' as the server name I guess that will include or define the path as far as Power BI is concerned.....