PowerBI database server connection issue

[dcvman]

I need to configure PowerBI database server connection with Encrypt=True and TrustServerCertificate=True options. 
Is it possible to do this?  If so, how is this done?

[v-pnaroju-msft]

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[v-pnaroju-msft]

Hi dcvman,

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[v-pnaroju-msft]

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[v-pnaroju-msft]

Hi dcvman,

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[rohit1991]

Hi @dcvman ,

Yes, you can set up a Power BI database server connection with both Encrypt=True and TrustServerCertificate=True—I’ve had to do this myself a few times, especially in dev/test environments. Here’s how you do it:

For Power BI Desktop: When you connect to your SQL Server, expand the “Advanced options” in the connection dialog. In the “Additional settings” box, enter: Encrypt=True;TrustServerCertificate=True

For Power BI Report Server: Open up the RSReportServer.config file (you’ll find this under something like C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSRSxx.<InstanceName>\Reporting Services\ReportServer). Look for the <ConnectionProperties> section.  Set your connection string to include both: <ConnectString>Data Source=YOURSERVER;Initial Catalog=YOURDB;Encrypt=True;TrustServerCertificate=True</ConnectString>

Save the file and restart your report server service for changes to take effect.

If you get an error about the “target principal name,” it’s usually because the SQL certificate name doesn’t match the server name. Using TrustServerCertificate=True bypasses this, but again, best to fix your certs if you’re going to production.

[v-pnaroju-msft]

Hi dcvman,

Thank you for reaching out through the Microsoft Fabric Community Forum.

Based on my understanding, the error message "The target principal name is incorrect" generally occurs when encryption is enabled without explicitly trusting the certificate.

To configure Power BI Report Server to use Encrypt=True; TrustServerCertificate=True, please follow the steps below, which may help to resolve the issue:

1. Open the RSReportServer.config file located at:
   C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSRSxx.<InstanceName>\Reporting Services\ReportServer
2. Locate the <ConnectionProperties> section.
3. Update the ConnectString as shown below:
   <ConnectString>Data Source=192.168.1.53;Initial Catalog=ReportServer;Encrypt=True;TrustServerCertificate=True</ConnectString>
4. Save the changes and restart SQL Server Reporting Services.

This configuration bypasses the certificate name verification and resolves the encryption-related login error.

For your reference, please find the relevant documentation here:
Reporting Services configuration files - SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) | Microsoft Learn

If you find our response helpful, kindly mark it as the accepted solution and provide kudos. This will assist other community members facing similar issues.

Should you have any further queries, please feel free to contact the Microsoft Fabric community.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Hi, @dcvman 

Do you have a reference to the steps to configure the report server?

Create a Native Mode Report Server Database (Configuration Manager) - SQL Server Reporting Services ...

Best Regards

Jianpeng Li

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[dcvman]

Thanks for providing report server configuration steps.  These steps don't include how to use Encrypt=True and TrustServerCertificate=True connections options.

[dcvman]

Below is error message which I am receiving when trying to connect to SQL server: