What causes DF-Delimited-InvalidConfiguration?

The dataset file path or folder path is empty — no source files can be located without a path. The linked service is missing from the dataset (not yet assigned or accidentally removed during editing). The dataset encoding setting is set to an unsupported value, preventing the parser from reading or writing the file content correctly

How do I fix DF-Delimited-InvalidConfiguration?

Open the delimited text dataset in ADF Studio and review every required field — check that the linked service, file path, column delimiter, and encoding are all set.. If the linked service is missing, assign the correct linked service pointing to the storage account and container containing the files.. Test connection the linked service to confirm the storage account is accessible.. Enable data flow Debug mode and preview the source — if the preview shows no data or an error, the path or file pattern is wrong.

Medium severitydata flow

Power BI Refresh Error:
DF-Delimited-InvalidConfiguration

What does this error mean?

The ADF Mapping Data Flow delimited text dataset or linked service is missing required configuration properties. The data flow cannot parse or write delimited files because a critical setting (such as file path, linked service, or encoding) is absent or malformed.

Common causes

1The dataset file path or folder path is empty — no source files can be located without a path
2The linked service is missing from the dataset (not yet assigned or accidentally removed during editing)
3The dataset encoding setting is set to an unsupported value, preventing the parser from reading or writing the file content correctly

How to fix it

1Open the delimited text dataset in ADF Studio and review every required field — check that the linked service, file path, column delimiter, and encoding are all set.
2If the linked service is missing, assign the correct linked service pointing to the storage account and container containing the files.
3Test connection the linked service to confirm the storage account is accessible.
4Enable data flow Debug mode and preview the source — if the preview shows no data or an error, the path or file pattern is wrong.

Frequently asked questions

What are the required properties for a delimited text dataset?

At minimum: linked service, file path, column delimiter, and row delimiter. Without these, the data flow cannot locate or parse the file.

Can this error occur if the file path uses an ADF parameter that was not passed?

Yes — if the file path references a pipeline parameter and that parameter is not passed at runtime, the path resolves to null or empty, causing this error.

How do I verify my dataset configuration without running the full pipeline?

Open the dataset in ADF Studio and click 'Preview data'. A successful preview confirms the configuration is valid; a failure or empty result indicates an issue in the linked service or file path.

Official documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/data-factory/data-flow-troubleshoot-guide