Why can't I select the shared resource pool in Project 2007?

[David Pedersen]

I have a project file that contains other inserted project files (so that I
can open all my projects from "master" project file). I also have a shared
resource pool from which I can assign resources to the projects inserted into
the "master" file. This has always worked well for me until I upgraded from
Project 2000 to Project 2007. Now when I try to assign shared resources to
some new projects that I've inserted into the "master" file, I cannot do so.
If I click on a task that I wish to assign a shared resource to and click on
the Tools menu, Resource Sharing, Share Resources, the resource pool filename
appears there and the option to use the resource from the resource pool file
is selected, but when I try to assign a resource, however, I cannot select a
resource name to apply to the task. If I open the inserted project file all
by itself (from outside the "master" file), and go to the Share Resources
form, I cannot even select the option to used the shared resource pool
file...it is greyed out. Any ideas on what is causing this problem?

 

[JulieS]

Hello David,

I don't believe this is a problem with Project 2007, rather with how you
have set up the resource pool file. I can produce exactly what you
report (inability to assign resources from a resource pool attached to
the master project) using Project 2003.

When you shared the resource pool file to the master project, you did
not share it to the inserted projects. You can only use the shared
resources on tasks which exist in the master project, not any inserted
subprojects.

Disconnect the resource pool file from the master file. Share the pool
file to the subproject files (open them outside of the master). Then
when you open the master, you will be prompted about opening the
resource pool file.

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

 

[David Pedersen]

Thanks, Julie.

I figured this out shortly after submitting the question. I closed
everything out, opened the shared resource pool file, then the stand-alone
project file, made the connection between the two, saved the resulting
project file and closed it. When I reopened the master project, I was able
to assign resources. I thought I'd been able to do the initial association
between the project file and the resource pool from within the master file in
the past...but I guess I was wrong.

David

 

[JulieS]

Hi David,

Glad you were able to work it out. You're welcome for what small part I
played and thanks for the feedback.

Julie
Project MVP

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