Linking to SharePoint, NOT OneDrive

[cwindsor]

Hi all! Not sure if this is the right place to post, so please redirect me if not, but I'm having trouble with creating a data connection that goes straight to SharePoint, and not through my personal OneDrive. Does anyone know how to create a connection that goes through SharePoint, so that all users with access to that site may refresh, edit, etc.?

Thanks!

[cwindsor]

For anyone else who happens upon this thread!

I noticed an issue when using a URL that goes any further than the root SharePoint site (ie., no folders). I was succesfully able to access the files needed through SharePoint, though!

[lbendlin]

When you create the SharePoint Folder connection it clearly says "Site URL".

[cwindsor]

If you refer to v-mdharahman's response, you'll clearly see the suggestion to input the URL including folders to get to the precise location needed. I was clearly expressing that, for myself, whenever I entered a site URL that included anything beyond the root site (ie., a folder), Power BI would not connect properly.

[lbendlin]

Their advice is sub-optimal.  While it will work, a Web connection will be inferior to a SharePoint Folder connection.  You will end up with separate connections per file, and with OAuth re-authentication issues.

[v-mdharahman]

Hi @cwindsor,

Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum.

It looks like you are looking for a way to connect to sharepoint. As @lbendlin and @uzuntasgokberk has already responded to your query, kindly go through their responses and check if it answers your query.

I would also take a moment to thank @lbendlin and @uzuntasgokberk for actively participating in the community forum and for the solutions you’ve been sharing in the community forum. Your contributions make a real difference

If I misunderstand your needs or you still have problems on it, please feel free to let us know.  

Best Regards,
Hammad.

[cwindsor]

Hi, although this is helpful information, it's not exactly what I'm asking about. Say specifically that I need to connect to an Excel file in SharePoint. When I select New Source > Excel Workbook > [file i want to connect]., it automatically goes through my specific OneDrive rather than the SharePoint link. I need to know how to access that specific file through SharePoint so that all members of that site are also able to transform and refresh the data.

[v-mdharahman · Accepted solution]

Hi @cwindsor,

This is a general misunderstanding because OneDrive and SharePoint may appear and act the same way when users navigate through files, but the method of connection does make a significant difference for collaboration.

To ensure that your Excel file is linked through SharePoint (not your own OneDrive) you can go to your sharePoint site in a web browser then go to the document library where the Excel file is located. Now open up the file menu (… or right-click) on the Excel file and select "Copy link". Ensure the link you copy begins with "https://[yourdomain].sharepoint.com/sites/.".
If it begins with "https://[yourdomain]-my.sharepoint.com/personal/.", that's OneDrive.

Now in PowerBI Desktop, navigate to Home -> Get Data -> Web and enter the SharePoint file link here. If the link is a "sharing" link with parameters (?e=., etc.), make it clean so that it will end in .xlsx and resemble something like "https://yourdomain.sharepoint.com/sites/YourSite/Shared%20Documents

/FolderName/YourFile.xlsx".
When it asks, select "Organizational Account" and log in if necessary. Power BI will now connect via the SharePoint path, and anyone who can access the SharePoint site and the Power BI file will also be able to refresh or update the connection (if they have the proper permissions).

Best Regards,

Hammad.

[v-mdharahman]

Hi @cwindsor,

As we haven’t heard back from you, so just following up to our previous message. I'd like to confirm if you've successfully resolved this issue or if you need further help.

If yes, you are welcome to share your workaround so that other users can benefit as well.  And if you're still looking for guidance, feel free to give us an update, we’re here for you.

Best Regards,

Hammad.

[lbendlin]

Use New Source - More - SharePoint Folder.

[lbendlin]

For all intents and purposes SharePoint and OneDrive are the same thing when you want to connect to document libraries.  The only difference is the URL that includes things like "me" and/or "personal"  for OneDrive but includes the site name for SharePoint.

So - use the correct URL and you'll be good.

[cwindsor]

Hi, although this is helpful information, it's not exactly what I'm asking about. Say specifically that I need to connect to an Excel file in SharePoint. When I select New Source > Excel Workbook > [file i want to connect]., it automatically goes through my specific OneDrive rather than the SharePoint link. I need to know how to access that specific file through SharePoint so that all members of that site are also able to transform and refresh the data.

[uzuntasgokberk]

Hello @cwindsor , 

I shared a blog about SharePoint Connection. I belive this blog helps you about getting information Sharepoint.

Integrating Power BI With Sharepoint

Kind Regards,
Gökberk Uzuntaş

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[cwindsor]

Hi, although this is helpful information, it's not exactly what I'm asking about. Say specifically that I need to connect to an Excel file in SharePoint. When I select New Source > Excel Workbook > [file i want to connect]., it automatically goes through my specific OneDrive rather than the SharePoint link. I need to know how to access that specific file through SharePoint so that all members of that site are also able to transform and refresh the data.