Problems sending Power BI Desktop to others while connected to SQL Server

[cheid1977]

I created a dashboard through Power BI Desktop that was connected a SQL Server. I sent the dashboard others in my department who also are connected to the SQL Server, but for some reason the dashboard won't show up on their computer. Am I not allowed to send a dashboard to others while connected to SQL even when they have the same connection?

[cheid1977]

I just tried entering my credentials in both windows and database.  I got the "User Not Authorized" message using my credentials. I am fairly new to this. Is there somewhere I am supposed to go to authorize access so I don't get this message?  Everyone I sent the file to can access the server with no problems through MS Access.  Could this be an SQL Server configuration issue?

I thought about changing the source data file to look at a folder containing the actual SQL raw data files instead of the SQL server so I can import the data.  However, I haven't been able to find out how to change the source data from SQL to folder.  If I could do this then my problems would go away.

[tonysellars]

Most likely the access to the SQL server made through the Access Database is done with a specific sql login (guessing here - could be a specific domain account, but usually not).  Suggest finding out from your IT/DBA what credentials they would like you to use.  With the error you are getting, does not look like your domain account has access. 

[cheid1977]

I tried that and it tells me the user is not authorized.  I have verified that they have access to the connected server.  I also tried accessing the database and get "Impersonation is not suppoerted in DirectQuery mode. Turn off impersonation or swith to import mode".  I am not sure how to turn of impersonation mode. I am at a lost on what is keeping my department from accessing the server via the BI desktop file I sent them over e-mail.

[tonysellars]

If the users which you are sending to have access to the database source same as you do then make sure that on the screen following the steps outline previously that you are not actually entering credentials but using your current credentials (i.e. trusted connection).  If the team of people you are sharing with is all using a sql login, then make sure the credentials are correct on the database tab.

[v-yuezhe-msft]

Hi @cheid1977,

Do you send Power BI Desktop file that contains SQL Server data source to others? If so, how do you connect to SQL Server from Power BI Desktop, via DirectQuery mode or import mode? And what problem or error message other users get when opening the Power BI Desktop file?

If you connect to SQL Server via DirectQuery mode, in order to view the reports after you send Power BI Desktop file to other users, they should select the SQL Server data source under “File –> Options and Settings –> Data Source Settings” and select edit permissions to enter credential.

Thanks,
Lydia Zhang