[Excel/Power Query] Error: DataSource.Error — The file path or data source is invalid (missing or moved source) — How to Fix It

Summary

DataSource.Error: The file path or data source is invalid occurs when Power Query cannot locate the referenced file, folder, or connection. This typically happens after moving, renaming, or deleting the source file, or when opening a workbook on a different computer with a different directory structure. Fixing it involves updating the connection under Data Source Settings, reestablishing credentials, or switching to relative paths for portability.

Context

Power Query stores absolute paths for imported files, such as C:\Users\Luís\Documents\Data.xlsx. When the file moves or the drive mapping changes, the query fails because it can no longer find the source. Similarly, when sharing workbooks across machines or syncing via OneDrive, the physical path changes even though the file name remains the same. Using dynamic or relative references helps make queries resilient to such changes.

Probable Cause

  • File moved or renamed: Power Query can’t locate the original path.
  • Drive letter mismatch: e.g., “D:\” on one PC, “E:\” on another.
  • Query imported from another device: Path differences between users or systems.
  • Network share or SharePoint access revoked: Lost authentication or permission.
  • Static connection string: Path hard-coded instead of dynamically generated.

Quick Fix

  1. Open Data Source Settings: Excel → Data → Get Data → Data Source Settings.
  2. Find the broken source: Look for entries marked “Invalid” or “Not Found.”
  3. Click “Change Source...” and browse to the new file or folder.
# Example: fix source path in M code Source = Excel.Workbook(File.Contents("C:\Data\Sales2024.xlsx"), null, true); # Update manually to: Source = Excel.Workbook(File.Contents("D:\Projects\Reports\Sales2024.xlsx"), null, true);
  1. Use relative paths for portability: Combine the current workbook path with file names.
# Example: dynamic relative path let FolderPath = Excel.CurrentWorkbook(){[Name="FolderPath"]}[Content]{0}[Column1], Source = Excel.Workbook(File.Contents(FolderPath & "\Data\Sales2024.xlsx"), null, true) in Source
  1. Reconnect to cloud or network sources: Data Source Settings → Edit Permissions → Sign in again if using SharePoint, OneDrive, or SQL databases.
  2. For network drives: Ensure the mapped drive letter (e.g., Z:\) exists and is identical across machines.

Full Example

Scenario: A workbook imported from “C:\Data\Reports\Sales.xlsx” is moved to “D:\Archive\Reports\Sales.xlsx.” Refresh now fails.

# Failing query Source = Excel.Workbook(File.Contents("C:\Data\Reports\Sales.xlsx"), null, true); # Error: DataSource.Error: The file path is invalid. # Fix 1 — Update manually in M code Source = Excel.Workbook(File.Contents("D:\Archive\Reports\Sales.xlsx"), null, true); # Fix 2 — Use relative reference BasePath = Text.BeforeDelimiter(Text.FromBinary(Excel.CurrentWorkbook(){[Name="Path"]}[Content]{0}[Column1]), "Reports"); Source = Excel.Workbook(File.Contents(BasePath & "Reports\Sales.xlsx"), null, true);

Scenario: File refresh works locally but fails in Power BI Service.

# Fix — move data to SharePoint/OneDrive Source = SharePoint.Files("https://yourorg.sharepoint.com/sites/Data", [ApiVersion=15])

Pitfalls & Debug

  • Symptom → Refresh fails but file opens manually. Fix → Data Source path points to a different folder.
  • Symptom → Refresh works on PC A but not B. Fix → Use relative path or dynamic reference.
  • Symptom → Works locally, fails in Power BI Service. Fix → Move files to OneDrive or SharePoint; local drives aren’t accessible in the Service.
  • Symptom → “Access Forbidden.” Fix → Reauthenticate under Data Source Settings → Edit Permissions.

Verification

To confirm the issue:

# Test access manually let TestPath = "C:\Data\Reports\Sales.xlsx", Test = File.Contents(TestPath) in Test

If this fails, the file path or permission is invalid. Once fixed, refresh the query — it should load normally.

Best Practices

  • Use Excel.CurrentWorkbook() or parameters to define root paths dynamically.
  • Store reusable path variables in a dedicated “Settings” query.
  • Avoid hardcoding C:\ paths — prefer relative or shared cloud directories.
  • In Power BI, use SharePoint or OneDrive links instead of local drives.

Sources

Microsoft Docs — Manage Power Query Data Sources

File.Contents (Power Query M)

Excel.CurrentWorkbook

Labels

Tool/Power Query, OS/Cross-platform, Topic/Data Source Path & Connectivity