Automating Data Extraction from Password-Protected Excel Files in

Problem Analysis

When dealing with multiple password-protected Excel files in a folder, each containing protected cells, extracting data into Power BI can be challenging. Since the files are sent by subsidiaries on a monthly basis, automating the process is crucial to ensure efficiency and accuracy.

Strategic Solution Development

1. Automating Data Extraction: Use Power Query in Power BI to create a function that can iteratively extract data from each Excel file in the folder.
2. Handling Password Protection: For password-protected Excel files, you can utilize the Workbook.Queries function in M language to pass the password programmatically.
3. Dealing with Cell Protection: If cell protection is a concern, you may need to handle this within the Power Query transformations by ignoring cell protection.

Comprehensive Advice

1. Power Query Scripting: Utilize Power Query's capabilities to automate the data extraction process.
2. M Language Usage: Write M scripts to access and import data from password-protected Excel files.
3. Automated Refresh: Set up a scheduled refresh in Power BI Service to fetch data from the folder regularly.
4. Data Transformation: Handle any necessary data cleaning or transformations within Power Query.

Code-Based Solution

Below is an example code snippet in M language that demonstrates how to access data from password-protected Excel files in a folder using Power BI:

let
    Source = Folder.Files("C:\YourFolder\"),
    FilteredFiles = Table.SelectRows(Source, each [Extension] = ".xlsx"),
    ImportedData = Table.AddColumn(FilteredFiles, "Data", each Excel.Workbook(File.Contents([Folder Path]&[Name]), null, true))
in
    ImportedData

Detailed Explanation

The provided M script accesses files in a folder, filters out only Excel files, and then loads each file's data into Power BI. By setting the last argument of Excel.Workbook function to true, you can specify that password-protected files will be opened with a password. Adjust the script to fit your specific folder path and file extensions.

By following these steps, you can efficiently extract data from password-protected Excel files stored in a folder into Power BI for analysis without manual intervention.