Datasource column name changed

[Anonymous]

Hi PBI, If a column header name for my source data changed, how to I update PBI so moving forward I use the new header name. the top table was the 'OLD header' in yellow. This header is now changed to "ESC GM (qta)"When I rename the header in PBI, I get this error,. It does appear PBI does not like the new header. I want to use "ESC GM (Qta)" moving forward

[ImkeF · Accepted solution]

You might find the reason and the solution here: http://datachant.com/2017/01/06/10-mistakes-you-always-do-in-powerbi-powerquery/

If not: Click on "Go to error" - this will send you to the step where the error occurs. Show Formula-bar -> copy & paste the code here for further analyzing.

[PowerPaul]

Just had this happen to me as I connect to a file stored on sharepoint. Problem is, many mangers have their hands on the file and make changes, one being the column name. 

My simple solution is:

1. open the query editor

2. Expand the formula bar, then start clicking the steps starting from the last step. 

3. When you see steps that start listing the column headers, simply find the column name that changed and make the update directly in the formula bar to the new name. This is normally in the very first step after promoted headers step and any other column that had filters steps. 

4. You can tell you made all the correct changes when you can click any step and don't get an error. 

5. Close and load.

[asundquist]

This works for getting the refresh to not show an error, but it makes my visualizations show an error until I redo the edited column. Is there a way around this?

[Anonymous]

Here is another way to fix this. Follow these steps in the same order.

1. Before you begin, make sure your excel file has old column name (EDW GM (Qta) in our example) and Power BI Tables also show the old name. AND you are able to Refresh successfully.

2. Open Excel file, change column name to new value ESC GM (Qta)

3. Open Power BI, click refresh. It will throw error "Column name EDW GM (Qta) not found"

4. Right Click Table Name in the Fields menu. Select Edit Query

5. In the formula bar, locate the old column name, it should be something like {"EDW GM (Qta)", type text} ... and change it to {"ESC GM (Qta)", type text}.

6. Apply and close Power Query Editor

7. Refresh

8. You're welcome!

[JohnDahis]

Manually edit it/them from Advanced Editor.

The box contents tells which column it's refering to. Change the old column name to the new one.

[ImkeF · Accepted solution]

You might find the reason and the solution here: http://datachant.com/2017/01/06/10-mistakes-you-always-do-in-powerbi-powerquery/

If not: Click on "Go to error" - this will send you to the step where the error occurs. Show Formula-bar -> copy & paste the code here for further analyzing.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

thanks.. Looks like the steps are (1) connect to the file with new header (2) after error pop up, manually change the header in EDIT Queries. (3) Refresh data and PBI Desktop Report will capture will header