Unable to setup a refresh schedule

[sandeepiiit]

I made a report using PowerBI Desktop that connects to different SQL Azure Databases using "Import" mode. (Import mode because DirectQuery mode is not supported for more than one database). I published this report to PowerBI service, but it doesn't refresh, and I can't seem to be able to change the refresh settings either.

The settings page for the dataset looks like this:

It tells me that my gateway connection is set up to be "User your data geteway (PowerBI - Personal)" and says its offline. And it tells me it was configured my be. I never setup a gateway, and I think I don't need one either because the data sources are SQL Azure Servers.

And the "Schedule Refresh" section is grayed out.

Any idea how can I get it to refresh periodically?

[sandeepiiit · Accepted solution]

Now I am able to schedule refreshes, even without a gateway. The issue was that the credentials to one of my sources was wrong.

To summarize:

1. As everyone mentioned, using multiple sources is not supported in DirectQuery mode and Import mode is the only way.

2. Refresh scheduling DOES work for Import mode as well. No gateway is needed (for SQL Azure databases).

[GilbertQ]

Hi @sandeepiiit

It does appear that at some point a Personal Data Gateway was installed?

Also as far as I am aware in order to use the Azure SQL Database you have to connect directly for it to not require a gateway.

As soon as you use any data source where it is in Import Mode, it will require the Data Gateway (Personal or On-Premise) in order to refresh the data.

[sandeepiiit]

Thanks for the reply.

Is it possible to use "DirectQuery" with two data sources? (both sources are SQL Azure dbs). I was actually forced to use import mode when I added the second source, because it complained that DirectQuery can't allow multiple sources.

[v-shex-msft]

Hi @sandeepiiit,

>>Is it possible to use "DirectQuery" with two data sources?

Current "direct query" not support connect to multiple datasource, even if there are in the same server.
If you want to connect to multiple datasource, you need to switch the connect mode to import.

There are currently a few limitations to using DirectQuery:

• All tables must come from a single database

For more detail abou use direct query, you can refer to follow link:

Use DirectQuery in Power BI Desktop

In addition, you can also send your requirement to ideas.

Regards,

Xiaoxin Sheng

[GilbertQ]

Hi @sandeepiiit

You are indeed correct in order to have multiple sources you have to use the Import Mode. But the flip side is that you then have to use the Gateway to refresh the data.