This guide explains how to connect to the new SQL Server database as a replacement for Power BI Dataflows. Users will need to authenticate using SQL credentials to refresh data successfully.

Updated Part 1: Connect to SQL Database in Excel

Purpose

Use these steps when you need to connect Excel directly to the Azure SQL Database to pull or refresh reporting data.

Steps to Connect and Authenticate

1. Open Excel

Open the Excel file where you want to connect to the SQL database.

2. Open the Azure SQL Database Connection

From the top menu, go to:

Data → Get Data → From Azure → From Azure SQL Database

3. Select the Target Database

• Server name 
  • Server: asqeusoneplanglbnpd01.database.windows.net
• Database name
  • Database: sdboneplan02

4. Enter SQL Server Credentials

Enter the SQL Server username and password provided to you.

You may need to confirm the following:

• Username
• Password

5. Click Connect

After entering your credentials and selecting the database, click Connect.

6. Monitor the Query Load

Excel will begin loading the data connections.

You can monitor the progress from:

Data → Queries & Connections

Wait until all queries show as loaded or completed.

Part 2: Connect to SQL Database in Power BI

Purpose

Use these steps when you need to connect or refresh a Power BI report using the new SQL Server database source.

Steps to Connect and Authenticate

1. Open the Power BI Report

Open the .pbix file that has been configured to use the new SQL Server source.

2. Select the Target Database

When prompted, select the appropriate SQL database from the dropdown menu.

• Server name 
  • Server: asqeusoneplanglbnpd01.database.windows.net
• Database name
  • Database: sdboneplan02

3. Enter SQL Server Credentials

Enter the username and password provided for SQL Server access.

4. Click Connect

After entering the required credentials, click Connect.

5. Monitor the Query Load

In Power BI Desktop, the refresh progress will appear while queries are loading.

Wait until the refresh is completed before saving or publishing the report.

What to Expect

Once authenticated, the Power BI report will begin loading the latest data directly from SQL Server.

This removes the dependency on Power BI Dataflows and helps improve data refresh speed and reliability.

 Database Information

• Server: asqeusoneplanglbnpd01.database.windows.net

• Database: sdboneplan02

Troubleshooting Tips

If you do not see the login window or receive an error, confirm the following:

• You are connected to the internal network or VPN, if required.
• You are using the correct SQL Server username and password.
• You selected the correct database name.
• Your Excel or Power BI Desktop version is up to date.
• You have been granted access to the SQL database.

If the refresh continues to fail after confirming the items above, please contact support and include a screenshot of the error message.