Excel data model refresh corrupting the data model

[Alan_]

I refresh a number of excel data models using the power bi service. 

As of this week, after the refresh, the model is broken. The result is the workbook crashes (completely closes excel without any error message) when I either try open power pivot or try to open power query on a workbook that has been refreshed via the service. 

[MattyH]

Sorry to hear this @Alan_ , its very frustrating and must be eroding some trust in the product.

I refreshed my models in Excel Online  (after first making a copy) and the files appear to be ok when I then refresh in Excel Client. I will keep an eye on it and run a few more checks and let you know.

Update: I performed an Online refresh of an older corrupted Excel file and the refresh appeared to fix the file when re-opening in Excel client.

[Anonymous]

This is interesting, I tried to refresh one more reports in Excel Online and it says this:

Most of the reports I use have PQ queries output to a PivotTable and loaded to the Data Model. This is so that the Power BI Service can Schedule Refresh them.  This is the first time I have seen this message however.

I typically do not refresh my reports using Excel Online, but I thought I'd try it since some people have been having some luck.

[Alan_]

Just to be clear this is related to workbooks refreshed via the powerbi service - not an excel online refresh.

The issue experenienced is: after a scheduled refresh the workbook crashes when trying to access the model in desktop excel. 

[MattyH]

But the Excel online refresh is refreshing a data model in it that is housed in the PowerBI service, is it not? I was still getting the corruption the first time refreshing Excel online.

[Anonymous]

@Alan_ : this is correct.  That is the method and issue I am talking about.  Like I was saying in my previous post I was simply trying to see if the problem occurs when refreshing in Excel Online the same way as I know others was posting similiar issues.

Issue still persists today with no update as of yet. 

[EdgarJimenez]

Hi @Anonymous 

Now i've the issue in all my workbook updated by PBI service. 

Can not use my reports due to the Desktop Excel's crash. 

@Anonymous Again the same issue. Can you help to communicate to team that can fix it? 

Thaks in adavance. 

[Leione]

Now we know that the powerbi team has no code testing before the code is released.

The issue reappeared less than a month after it was fixed.

The feedback from Microsoft's support team is that the latest deployment released yesterday did not use the correct as engine, resulting in problems. The production team has stepped up the preparation and release of new patches, which is expected to be completed around next Friday.

[Anonymous]

Hello all!  I got a response from the Microsoft support that worked my case last time.  I got this response:

"We started rolling out Canary1 7.2 train which includes this fix and expect to complete Train by next week Tuesday EOD."

So hopefully by Next Wednesday we should have a fix.  I'll keep you posed.

Please post here if you see the fix impletemented earlier.

[Alan_]

Thanks for the update @Anonymous 👍

[RosaVB]

Hello @Anonymous , is the excel data model already working for you? I'm still getting an error. 😞