“Unable to connect” error when accessing SQL database in Power BI Desktop

When attempting to access a SQL server/database in Power BI, you might get the following error message:

Unable to connect

We encountered an error while trying to connect.

Details: “An error happened while reading data from the provider: ‘Could not load file or assembly ‘System.EnterpriseServices, Version=4.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=…..

Error message received when trying to get a SQL database as a data source in Power BI

Solution

You just need to run Power BI as administrator before attempting to access the SQL database as a data source.

1. Save your work and close Power BI Desktop
2. Right click Power BI Desktop and select “Run as administrator”

3. Attempt to access your database again – you shouldn’t have an issue.