Updating Database Address of a Published Data Source

Published: 10 May 2016
Last Modified Date: 19 Jun 2023

Question

How to update the database address of a published data source.

Environment

Tableau Server

Answer

Many database providers (Microsoft SQL, etc.) recommend AGAINST moving a database to a new address. In the event that has already happened, exercise caution with the below steps. Even when followed exactly, it is possible to receive data errors related to calculate fields, groups and sets. If the underlying structure of the database has changed (added, moved or renamed fields, tables etc.) the likelihood of errors increases.

Option 1 - Create a new data source and republish all workbooks

In Tableau Desktop, open the workbook(s) needing data source update.
Connect to the new database and create a new data source.
Follow the steps in Replace Data Sources.
Correct any errors in the workbook views.
Republish the Data Source to the Tableau Server, and be sure to select "Update workbook to use the published data source".
Republish the workbook(s) using the newly-published data connection as a data source.

There are two additional ways to replace published data sources for workbooks on Tableau Server and each method must be used with caution as it does not verify the new data source will be valid for the published workbooks before publishing the data source to Tableau Server.

Option 2 - Edit Data Connection in Tableau Desktop

Navigate to Tableau Server > Content > Data Sources and download the desired data source.
Open the data source in Tableau Desktop.
Right-click on the data source and select Edit Data Source.
Update the server information and click OK.
Correct any errors in the workbook views.
Republish the Data Source to the Tableau Server, replacing the original data source.
Navigate to Tableau Server and ensure workbooks are loading as expected.

Option 3 - Edit Data Connection in Tableau Server

Follow instructions here for editing data connection: Edit Connections
Navigate to Tableau Server and ensure workbooks are loading as expected.

Additional Information

Important: Replacing a data source does not merge or edit the data sources. This feature simply redirects fields in the worksheet to map to corresponding fields in the new data source. To successfully replace a data source, any fields, including calculated, groups, sets parameters, etc, in the original data source need to also exist in the new data source. If not, then some manual work may be required to preserve certain fields.