Dataset becomes empty when a new csv column is added

[Anonymous]

I used "Get Data" and selected from a local csv file and therefore created a dataset. Next on Power BI desktop, I created a new report from that dataset. Everything works great with all changes in the dataset and the  report would reflect that accordingly. But the problem arises when I added a new column to that csv file. When I refresh the report, it sees the new column but now the whole report becomes empty, even with the old columns' data that showed up on the report before. The same thing happens when I create a brand new report from that dataset.

When the report was uploaded ("Get Data") into app.powerbi.com, it always asked "A dataset with the same name exists... Do you want to replace?" I said yes each time but whenever a new column is introduced, the whole report goes blank. I tried to look for a Query Editor setting but when a Desktop report is using a Power BI dataset, there doesn't seem to be an option for the Editor. 

I must be missing something. The ability to add or remove columns from a csv dataset is pretty basic but I can't figure out what I did wrong. Any help will be much appreciatated.

Thank you.
Daniel 

[GilbertQ]

Hi @Anonymous 

Yeah it is a bit of a challenge when creating a dataset in the Power BI Service.

I would suggest using Power BI Desktop because then you can at least change the details in Power Query.

[Anonymous]

Do you know if MS is working on adding this capability in the future for datasets? This will be so useful. In the meantime, I think I am going to add extra empty columns for flexible fields for future expansion. Do you see any potential problems with that idea? Thanks again.  

[v-easonf-msft]

Hi, @Anonymous 

For your requirement , you can submit it as an idea on Power BI Ideas forum and add your comments there to make this feature coming sooner. 

Best Regards,
Community Support Team _ Eason

[GilbertQ]

Hi @Anonymous 

What typically happens when you connect to a CSV file is that it keeps a record of how many columns there were. And now when you update the CSV it will not show the extra column. You will need to go into Power Query and in the advanced editor you will see how many columns it has defaulted to.

if you are doing this via the Power BI Service and get data as it stands to day you will not be able to modify this.

You can vote for the idea on https://ideas.powerbi.com

[Anonymous]

Hi GilbertQ, so this is a limitation of Power BI service? So a dataset sent there is fixed in structure and any changes subsequently will require a re-do of the whole reports? That's what I found and created two different datasets with the same problem. But I was hoping I was wrong. Thank you.