datasource in embeded datasource

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  Sandhiya Priya8mo agoPosted Jan 2, 2026, 11:18 AM

  No built-in SSRS UI tool exists to bulk update credentials for embedded data sources. That’s why you’re forced to edit each report manually.

  But yes — you can automate this using scripts. These are the correct and commonly used solutions:

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  Best Solution: Convert to Shared Data Source (Recommended)

  If possible, create one Shared Data Source and point all reports to it.

  Why this is best

  • One place to store username/password

  • Change credentials once ? affects all reports

  • No future maintenance headache

  You can update reports using:

  • Report Manager

  • PowerShell / RS.exe script

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  PowerShell / RS.exe Script (For Existing Embedded Data Sources)

  You can bulk update credentials programmatically.

  High-level idea

  • Loop through all reports

  • Read embedded data sources

  • Update credentials (username/password)

  • Save back to Report Server

  Example (RS.exe script):

  Public Sub Main()
      Dim reports = rs.ListChildren("/", True)
  
      For Each item In reports
          If item.Type = ItemTypeEnum.Report Then
              Dim ds = rs.GetItemDataSources(item.Path)
  
              For i As Integer = 0 To ds.Length - 1
                  Dim d As DataSource = ds(i)
                  Dim def As DataSourceDefinition = d.Item
  
                  def.CredentialRetrieval = CredentialRetrievalEnum.Store
                  def.UserName = "db_user"
                  def.Password = "db_password"
                  def.Enabled = True
  
                  rs.SetItemDataSources(item.Path, ds)
              Next
          End If
      Next
  End Sub
  

  Run using:

  rs.exe -i UpdateCredentials.rss -s http://server/ReportServer
  

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  PowerShell Alternative

  Using SSRS Web Service (ReportService2010):

  • Faster

  • More flexible

  • Scriptable and schedulable

  Used widely in production environments.

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  Important Notes

  • Works for SQL Server Express with Advanced Services (SSRS)

  • Passwords are stored securely in SSRS database

  • Backup before running scripts

  • Test on few reports first

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  Summary

  • No UI tool for bulk update

  • Script is the only practical solution

  • Best practice: Shared Data Source

  • Use RS.exe / PowerShell for automation