BI refresh failure on service Processing error: OLE DB or ODBC error. A connection could not be made

[Nivedhana]

In one of our BIs, we use 3 table from MRMD(another semantic model in our environment). This BI refreshes in desktop but fails on cloud. Granular access is enabled in both workspaces. 

The error seen in refresh is as below - 

OLE DB or ODBC error. A connection could not be made to the data source with the Name of '{"protocol":"analysis-services","address":{"server":"powerbi://api.powerbi.com/v1.0/myorg/MRMD","database":"MRMD BI"},"authentication":null,"query":null}'.

Any guidance would be great.

[Akash_Varuna · Accepted solution]

Hi @Nivedhana I think that might be the cause of the issue as some features are not there in trial trial license mostly connecting to another dataset requires a Pro or Premium Per User (PPU) license

[v-tsaipranay · Accepted solution]

Hi @Nivedhana ,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Fabric Community.

The refresh failure is likely due to the license difference between the two workspaces. The MRMD workspace has a Pro license, while the affected workspace is using a Pro trial license, which may have limited features for cross-workspace dataset sharing. As @Akash_Varuna  suggestion regarding the Pro or PPU license requirement is correct, as connecting to datasets from another workspace typically requires both workspaces to have Pro or PPU licenses.

To resolve the issue, upgrade the trial license to a full Pro license on the affected workspace and ensure both workspaces have the same license type. Additionally, verify Granular Access Control is enabled with the necessary Build permissions assigned.

For more information, refer to Power BI service features by license type - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

I hope my suggestions give you good idea, if you need any further assistance, feel free to reach out.

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

Thank you. 

[Akash_Varuna]

Hi @Nivedhana It seems to be a connection issue could you check for these please 

• Check if the user or service principal has access to the MRMD dataset.
• Verify the correct authentication method (OAuth2 or organizational account) in Power BI Service.
• Ensure any required data gateway is online and configured.
• Confirm granular access is enabled for both workspaces, with proper permissions assigned.
• Validate the connection string in Power BI Desktop and republish.
  If the post helped please do give a kudos and accept this as a solution
  Thanks In Advance

[Nivedhana]

Hi @Akash_Varuna , Thank you for the prompt response. All the above are okay. The only difference seen is MMRD workspace has PRO license and the other one has trial. Could that be an issue?

[Akash_Varuna · Accepted solution]

Hi @Nivedhana I think that might be the cause of the issue as some features are not there in trial trial license mostly connecting to another dataset requires a Pro or Premium Per User (PPU) license