gateway error for dataflow --> excel as source

[Anonymous]

I have a requirement where I should use excel as a source to read data into power bi service

I have the following questions

1. What gateway do we need to be able to connect to excel from power bi?

2.  What is the best way to store history when excel is the source ? I was trying to create a dataflow pointing to excel and I get below error

[v-easonf-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi,  @Anonymous 

1. For local excel files, it is recommended to use a standard On-premises data gateway . 

2. Powerbi allows you to connect directly to a folder. You can consider creating a folder to manage these historical files.

You can refer to this similar thread  to check whether the data source has been added to the gateway you are using.

Best Regards,
Community Support Team _ Eason

[lbendlin]

If I may make a recommendation  - try to avoid creating gateway connections to individual files. Instead use the sharepoint folder connector and navigate to the desired file.

Speaking of Sharepoint/OneDrive - technically they do not require a gateway unless you still use on-premise sharepoint farms?