Removing columns of reference tables

[jasonyeung87]

Hi,

I have a couple of tables that were created as a reference to another table. I deleted a few columns from the original table, but noticed the columns still exist in the reference tables. I was wondering how do I remove the columns from the reference tables? I tried to refresh the entities and data, but those columns remain. 

Sincerely,

Jason

[v-rzhou-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @jasonyeung87 

Did you build your reference table by your original table？

If you use options in Power Query editor like merge or append to build your reference table, the column will be removed automaticlly in your reference table when you remove columns in your original table.

If you use copy or duplicate option in Power Query editor to build your reference table, the column won't be removed automaticlly in your reference table when you remove columns in your original table.

Test:

If I remove column3 in orginal table, result is as below.

In Appned, column3 has been removed.

In Duplicate/Copy, column3 still exists. It needs to be removed by yourself manually.

If you remove the column first then build your reference table, you could achieve your goal as well.

Best Regards,

Rico Zhou

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

[Shishir22]

Hello @jasonyeung87 ,

Can you please try "Refreh All" in Refresh preview in the transform data for all the tables and then try refresh on the visual page.

Refresh All in Refresh preview in the transofrm data :

Refresh on visual page:

If this fulfils your requirement please mark it as solution.

Thanks!

[jasonyeung87]

Hi @Shishir22 ,

I tried doing that, but it didn't remove the columns from the reference tables. I ended up reimporting the original table and then removed the columns before creating tables that reference it. It did improve the performance somewhat.

Sincerely,

Jason

[Shishir22]

Hello @jasonyeung87,

Can you please share how you have created reference column/tables with help of screenshots?

Thanks!