Unable to open PBIX file - circular dependency

[ehanders76]

I'm trying to open a PBIX file created by another team member and saved to my desktop (not published to the cloud).  The data was loaded from text files (no live server connection) and the PBIX file is 33 MB. After seeing the "initializing model" message for a moment, I get the following error:

"Something went wrong.  Failed to save modifications to the server.  Error returned: 'A circular dependency was detected: [specific column names and guids]".

I am on the latest version of Power BI Desktop (Dec 2019).  If there's a problem with the data model I'd like to fix it, but this error prevents me from even opening the file to look at the data model and try to find the problem.

Is there a way disable or delay the validation that is identifying this dependency so that I can get the file open and fix the issue?  

[mwegener]

Hi @ehanders76 ,

try renaming the file to PBIT and then opening it.

[ehanders76]

I tried renaming it as a PBIT file, but I got the same error.

[mwegener]

If you rename the file to PBIT, will the data be loaded into the model before the error?

[mwegener]

Hi @ehanders76 ,

are you using the Tabular Editor?

[rainer1]

Hi,

Circular dependency Problems are normaly caused by Dax.

Look it like this? 

There is may be a problem in the relation or dependencies.

In this link there is a good explanation about circular dependencys.

https://www.sqlbi.com/articles/avoiding-circular-dependency-errors-in-dax/

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[mwegener]

Hi @rainer1 ,

but it should not be possible to save a PBIX in this invalid state.

[ehanders76]

Yes, exactly, I'm not sure how she was able to save it.  Here's a screenshot.  Whether I click "Report this Issue" or "Cancel" it remains an empty workbook rather than opening her file.

[mwegener]

Hi @ehanders76 ,

strange. This behavior, should not be possible.

Could you provide some Screenshots?

Regards,

Marcus

Dortmund - Germany
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