DataSource.Error: exceeded 100000 distinct who/what's

[RichCopenhagen]

Hi folks,

I am attempting to query our Salesforce instance to bring data into PowerBI Desktop Version 2.59.5135.601 64-bit (June 2018). Most object imports (opportunity, lead, account) are working fine, but when I attempt to bring in the Task object I get the following error at the Navigation step.

DataSource.Error: exceeded 100000 distinct who/what's

Details:
  List

I have not seen any other discussions about this particular error, but I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction to resolve. I am unclear as to how I would reduce the incoming data prior to the Navigation step.

Automatically generated query appears as follows:

let
Source = Salesforce.Data(),
Task1 = Source{[Name="Task"]}[Data]
in
Task1

Thanks,

Rich

[mihai_scrobotov]

For those still wondering, the Salesforce.Data built-in connector in Power Query folds queries, so you can include a filter in your query, which allows you to at least see what columns etc. are available. You can refine the filter after.

Here is what worked for me: 

let

Source = Salesforce.Data(

"https://login.salesforce.com/",

[

ApiVersion = 48,

CreateNavigationProperties=true

]

), 

Table = Source{[Name="Task"]}[Data],

Filtered = Table.SelectRows(

Table,

each [CreatedDate] >= #datetime(2026, 6, 1, 0, 0, 0)

) 

in 

Filtered

[metrica]

Hi @RichCopenhagen,

That "exceeded 100000 distinct who/what's" error is a Salesforce governor limit specific to Task and Event objects - both have polymorphic WhoId/WhatId fields, and Salesforce blocks the query when those references exceed 100K distinct values. Admin permission doesn't help here - it's an API limit, not a security one. The fix is to apply a filter before the query hits Salesforce - via Salesforce.Data Advanced Option → Select Query with hand-written SOQL (e.g. WHERE LastModifiedDate >= LAST_N_DAYS:30).

If you'd rather not write SOQL by hand, Power BI Connector for Salesforce on AppExchange handles filtering through a UI inside Salesforce:

Why it might fit:

• Filter conditions set on the Salesforce side - no SOQL hand-writing, no 100K distinct error
• No 2,000-row limit on reports
• Supports custom fields, custom objects, and joined reports
• 30-day free trial
• Setup docs: https://metricasoftware.com/docs/salesforce/
• Responsive support if you get stuck: https://metricasoftware.com/docs/salesforce/contact-support/

Happy to set up a quick demo on the Task object specifically. Just reach out via the support link.

Cheers,

Metrica Team.

[ReportGuru]

Hi, was this issue ever solved? As a workaround, SF data can be pulled through external connectors, I've used this option for a while and I've never had this kind of issue. I've tried windsor.ai, supermetrics and funnel.io. I stayed with windsor because it is much cheaper so just to let you know other options. In case you wonder, to make the connection first search for the Salesforce connector in the data sources list:

After that, just grant access to your Salesforce account using your credentials, then on preview and destination page you will see a preview of your Salesforce fields:

There just select the fields you need. It is also compatible with custom fields and custom objects, so you'll be able to export them through windsor.  Finally, just select PBI as your data destination and finally just copy and paste the url on PBI --> Get Data --> Web --> Paste the url. 

[Syndicate_Admin]

Hi, for me it worked to get Admin profile in Salesforce and the error dissapeared.

[Syndicate_Admin]

Hi, I'm getting this issue as well and also can't reach the links above. Anyone knows what to do?

[aylan]

Hello,

I'm facing the same problem, have you found any solution, please?

thank you

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

@RichCopenhagen,

Do you have admin permission for Salesforce? It seems that you hit the limitation of Salesforce without being a admin user, please review the following similar threads about this issue.

https://getsatisfaction.com/dbamp/topics/salesforce_refresh_error_on_task_object
https://getsatisfaction.com/dbamp/topics/salesforce_account_permissions_required

Regards,
Lydia

[MostlySunny]

I realize this was 4 years ago, but do you have cliff notes on what the links you provided advise? It looks like the sites are no longer hosted.

[RichCopenhagen]

Thank you Lydia, this is immensely helpful. I am not in an admin profile, so I will pursue this to resolve.

Thanks,

Rich