Saving to Project 98

[pat]

We use Project 2003, our client uses Project 98. When we save a 2003 Project
file as a Project 98 file, it can't be opened in Project 98. This happens
with any existing files or a newly created 2003 file. Further, if we open
the 98 file in 2003, we can't print the file or do a print preview. We get
an error message stating that the print area of the page is too small. The
options to change the scaling of the print are grayed out and cannot be
changed. We have tried adjusting the security setting and even changed
default printers incase that was having some strange affect.

By the way, the problems experienced in 2003 are in the Gantt Chart view
only. The other views are OK, but of course the Gantt Chart is the one we
need.

Any idea's?

 

[JulieS]

Hi Pat,

If the error only occurs in the Gantt chart view, my *guess* (and it's
only a guess) is that there is something in the Gantt chart view in
your project that Project 98 cannot translate. Is your Gantt chart
view customized in some way (custom fields, custom bars etc?). If you
save the file in a view other than the Gantt chart view can your
client open the file?

Try creating a new view reconstructing the Gantt chart components and
see if that works.

If the error happens with all files, I have to assume that the copy of
the Gantt chart view in the global template may also cause problems.,
so I assume copying that view back from Global is not going to help.

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for the FAQs and additional information
about Microsoft Project

 

[pat]

This happens in a brand new file or an existing file. I have created a brand
new file with only a single word in it and get the same behavior. This same
behavior occurs on many different workstations. We have made no
customizations to views or templates.

Thanks.

 

[pat]

One other bit of strange behavior. If I do a print preview on the saved as
98 file before I close Project or the file, all works fine. It's only after
closing and reopening the file or app the that error occurs.

 

[JulieS]

Pat,

What are you settings for "legacy file formats" under Tools > Options,
Security? If you save the file in another (non-Gantt chart) view can
your client open it?

Julie

 

[pat]

I have tried all settings for legacy formats and macro security, they have no
affect (except for the do not load option which obviously won't let me save
to 98). If I save the file in another view, that view fails along with the
Gantt Chart view (that's even more strange) the other views still are
"previewable"). Because the current view (whichever one it is) is corrupt,
the file cannot be opened in 98.

 

[JulieS]

Thanks for the additional information Pat. Frankly, I'm stumped. As
it happens with all projects -- even brand new ones, it isn't a
corruption issue.

I've been doing some additional digging and can't seem to find
anything that would account for what you are seeing.

I don't know whether it may be wise to see if you can pick up a copy
of Project 98 on E-bay and work in that manner.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Julie

 

[Mike Glen]

Hi Pat,

I have both 98 and 2003. If you wish, you could send me a problem file and
I'll try it out on my system.

Mike Glen
MS Project MVP
See http://tinyurl.com/2xbhc for my free Project Tutorials

 

[JulieS]

Thanks for jumping in Mike.

Julie

Hi Pat,

I have both 98 and 2003. If you wish, you could send me a problem
file and I'll try it out on my system.

Mike Glen
MS Project MVP
See http://tinyurl.com/2xbhc for my free Project Tutorials

 

[Mike Glen]

No problem, Julie, that's what we're all here for


Mike Glen
Project MVP