Error when using OneDrive Refresh for a pbix

[strangeginger1]

We are trialling using the Import Report from Sharepoint function to upload our PBIX files, as they exist across multiple workspaces and it will make it easier when making changes to the reports.

For all pbix files, we use "import data" from dataflows.

I've also enabled schedule refresh on the semantic models, as the data updates each month and there are too many pbix files to open and refresh each one. While this works to begin with (report uploads, data refreshes etc), as soon as I make a change to the pbix post-automated-refresh, I get this error:

If anyone could help it would be hugely appreciated!

[Zanqueta · Accepted solution]

Hi @strangeginger1 

This error typically indicates that the Power BI Service is unable to authenticate or authorise access to a resource — in this case, likely the data source or the semantic model used in your PBIX file.

Given your scenario (using PBIX files stored in SharePoint/OneDrive and connected to dataflows), this error can occur due to one or more of the following reasons:

1. Missing or Expired Credentials for Dataflows

If the PBIX file connects to dataflows, the credentials used to access those dataflows may have expired or are not correctly set in the Power BI Service.

Solution:

• Go to Power BI Service > Settings > Datasets > Data source credentials.
• Re-authenticate the credentials for the dataflow connections.
• Ensure the authentication method (e.g., OAuth2) is correct and that the account has access to the dataflows.

2. Ownership or Access Issues After OneDrive Sync

When a PBIX is updated via OneDrive/SharePoint, the ownership of the dataset may not align with the credentials used for scheduled refresh.

Solution:

• After updating the PBIX in SharePoint, go to the dataset settings in Power BI Service and reconfigure the data source credentials.
• Alternatively, open the PBIX in Power BI Desktop, refresh it locally, and republish it once to re-establish the connection.

3. Workspace Permissions

Ensure that the user or service principal responsible for the refresh has the necessary permissions on:

• The workspace where the app/report is published.
• The dataflows used as sources.

If this response was helpful in any way, I’d gladly accept a 👍much like the joy of seeing a DAX measure work first time without needing another FILTER.

Please mark it as the correct solution. It helps other community members find their way faster (and saves them from another endless loop 🌀.

[strangeginger1]

By "Dataset" do you mean the Semantic Model? If you could please provide so screenshots so I know where to go that would be great, as I can't see those options.

[Zanqueta]

Yes, your semantic model published.

[strangeginger1]

Thank you. Having done a few tests, it's definitely this one:

When a PBIX is updated via OneDrive/SharePoint, the ownership of the dataset may not align with the credentials used for scheduled refresh.

Solution:

• After updating the PBIX in SharePoint, go to the dataset settings in Power BI Service and reconfigure the data source credentials.

Is there any way of fixing this so I don't have to refresh the credentials every time? On one report it's not a problem, but across multiple it would become quite time consuming?