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Power BI Refresh Error:
DF-Xml-InvalidValidationMode

What does this error mean?

The XML dataset uses a validation mode that is not valid for the current context — an invalid or unsupported mode was specified.

Common causes

  • 1The XML dataset validation mode was set to 'xsd' but no schema file path was provided — XSD validation requires both the mode and a valid XSD file path
  • 2The validation mode value in the dataset JSON was manually edited to an unsupported value
  • 3A pipeline template or ARM deployment set the validation mode to a string that is not one of the accepted values (none, xsd, dtd)
  • 4The dataset was created via API or script with an incorrect validationMode property value

How to fix it

  1. 1Open the XML dataset in ADF Studio and go to format settings.
  2. 2Check the Validation mode setting — valid options are: None (no validation), XSD (validate against an XSD file), or DTD (validate against a Document Type Definition).
  3. 3If set to XSD, verify that a schema file path is also specified — the XSD file must exist in an accessible storage location.
  4. 4If validation is not needed, set the mode to None and remove any schema file reference.
  5. 5If the dataset was created via ARM template or API, verify the validationMode property in the JSON definition matches one of the supported enum values.
  6. 6Save the dataset and re-run the pipeline after correcting the validation mode.

Frequently asked questions

What are the valid validation mode options for an ADF XML dataset?

Three modes: None (no schema enforcement), XSD (validates against an XSD file in Blob/ADLS Gen2 — requires a path), and DTD (validates against a Document Type Definition embedded in or referenced by the XML).

When should I use XSD validation mode vs None?

Use XSD to enforce a known structure before processing — useful in regulated environments or where downstream systems need a consistent schema. Use None when the XML structure is trusted or varies slightly.

Can I edit the XML dataset validation mode directly in the JSON?

Yes — in ADF Studio, view and edit dataset JSON via the curly-bracket icon. The property is 'validationMode' and accepted string values are 'none', 'xsd', and 'dtd' (lowercase). An unrecognized value causes InvalidValidationMode at runtime.

Will downstream Power BI datasets be affected?

Yes — the pipeline fails and the downstream table receives no new data.

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

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