Please HELP - predecessors not working

[Jackie Chan]

The predecessor/ task linking function is not working within a specific
project file that we have been working on for months (file has 2000+ lines).
When we type in a predecessor for a new task, the task does not move to start
when the other task finishs. (Date stays the same as project start date,
which in our case is November 5th 2005). We have checked the tasks to make
sure there isn't a constraint. Even if the task is 'Start as soon as
possible', it still starts November 5th instead of when the task we are
trying to link it to finishes.

The problem appears to be unique to our file - when we open up new or other
files tasks can be properly linked. However we're trying to avoid re-typing
a 2000+ timeline in a new file, so ideally we can fix the existing file. Any
help is strongly appreciated!

 

[Brian Kennemer]

The predecessor/ task linking function is not working within a
specific project file that we have been working on for months (file
has 2000+ lines). When we type in a predecessor for a new task, the
task does not move to start when the other task finishs. (Date stays
the same as project start date, which in our case is November 5th
2005). We have checked the tasks to make sure there isn't a
constraint. Even if the task is 'Start as soon as possible', it
still starts November 5th instead of when the task we are trying to
link it to finishes.

The problem appears to be unique to our file - when we open up new or
other files tasks can be properly linked. However we're trying to
avoid re-typing a 2000+ timeline in a new file, so ideally we can fix
the existing file. Any help is strongly appreciated!

This can happen if the Calculation mode is set to Manual. In Manual
Project does not enforce the pred-succ links between tasks.

Go to Tools | Options | Calculation and see if it is set to Automatic
or Manual.

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,
On top of Brian's advice: if calculation is set to automatic you more than
likely have a circular relationship.
Start removing links from and to summary tasks till the problem goes away.
HTH