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ja5555
New Member

Error connecting to Power BI but I can connect with the exact same server name in Excel

I keep receiving the below error in Power BI when attempting to connect to a local db. I can use the exact same server name in Excel and connect so it does not have to do with enabling remote connections, tcp/ip protocol, etc., I've done all of that already. Furthermore, both Power BI and my db are on 64 bit. I'm doing nothing different on either program but in Power BI I get this error. 

 

ja5555_0-1675711925476.png

 

2 REPLIES 2
v-stephen-msft
Community Support
Community Support

Hi @ja5555 ,

 

This normally happens when at least one of the following problems exist:

  • The name of the computer hosting the SQL Server
  • Instance does not resolve the the correct IP
  • The TCP port number is not specified correctly

Checklist:

  1. SQL Server are up are runing
  2. check the correct instance name
  3. add in exception in firewall
  4. check if anti virus is using it
  5. check the sql browser services

Please refer the following Microsoft document and similar posts that could also help you:

A network-related or instance-specific error occurred - SQL Server | Microsoft Learn

How to fix " A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection t...

How to Fix the Error 'A Network-related or Instance-specific Error occurred while Establishing a Con...

A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server ...

 

                                                                                                                                                         

Best Regards,

Stephen Tao

 

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

I would agree if the exact same entry of server and database into Excel didn't work, but it does. This will not produce an error in Excel but in Power BI it does which leads me to believe it's something specific to Power BI.

ja5555_0-1675774035398.png

 

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