How to Fix "Failed to Retrieve Shared Data Source" Error in Bold Reports Report Viewer

The "Failed to Retrieve Shared Data Source" error in the Bold Reports Report Viewer typically occurs when attempting to load reports that rely on shared data sources in a SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) environment. This error prevents the report from accessing the necessary data, resulting in a failure to render or preview the report. Below, we explore the common causes of this issue and provide detailed steps to resolve it, ensuring successful retrieval of the shared data source and proper report functionality.

The error can arise due to several underlying issues, including:

• Misconfigured Data Source: The shared data source configuration may contain incorrect connection strings, credentials, or references.
• Connectivity Issues: Network or server connectivity problems prevent communication between the Bold Reports Report Viewer and the SSRS server.
• Insufficient Permissions: The user account accessing the SSRS server lacks the necessary permissions to retrieve the shared data source.
• Corrupted or Missing Data Source: The shared data source may not exist on the server, may be incorrectly referenced, or may have been corrupted.
• Report Deployment Issues: The report or its associated data source was not properly deployed to the Bold Reports server.

By systematically addressing these potential causes, you can resolve the error and restore report functionality.

Steps to Fix the Error

1. Check Data Source Configuration in the Report Ensure the report is correctly linked to the shared data source and that the configuration is valid.
   Verify the shared data source reference and ensure the connection string (e.g., server, database, authentication) is correct.
2. Test Connectivity and Restart Services Rule out network or server issues that may prevent the Bold Reports Report Viewer from accessing the SSRS server.
   Verify network connectivity between Bold Reports server. Ensure the server database is accessible via SSMS the restart the application.
3. Verify and Grant Permissions on the SSRS Data Source Folder Ensure the user account running the Bold Reports Report Viewer has sufficient permissions to access the shared data source.
   Confirm the user or service account has Read and Execute permissions. If lacks, add the permissions if needed and test the report.
4. Embed or Recreate the Data Source If the shared data source cannot be retrieved, embed the data source directly in the report or recreate it to bypass the issue.
   Recreate the shared data source on the Bold Reports server with correct settings and permissions and update the report using the newly created DataSource
5. Deploy the Report to the Bold Reports Server Ensure the report and its shared data source are correctly deployed to the Bold Reports server.

The “Failed to Retrieve Shared Data Source” error in Bold Reports Report Viewer can be resolved by systematically checking the data source configuration, permissions, connectivity, and deployment settings. By following the detailed steps outlined above, you can identify and address the root cause of the error, ensuring your reports render correctly and data is retrieved successfully.