Blown out files

[DavidC]

We have had two project files with file sizes around 35MB, whilst most files
even with some substantial numbers of activities, have files sizes of less
than 6 or 7 MB.

One of the files, I tracked down the 'culprit' to some data in the notes
field in the MSP_TASK table RTF_NOTES field. Deleting this binary data then
compacting the file reduced the size down considerably. Looking at the note
for that activity showed nothing of any consequence, and simply deleting in
the notes field in Project, using the task information dialog had no effect.

My question therefore is:

Is there a way of clearing out data including images from the notes field
such that the file size is reduced by the removal of that information?

My 2nd question is simillar but relates to the "RESERVED_BINARY_DATA" field
found in the MSP_PROJECTS table. Again the other file which was "blown out"
had binary data in this field, and deleting this data then compacting reduced
the file size down to an expected size. This is the only time I have seen
data in this field. Deleting the data appears not to have affected the file
in any way. What I cannot find out though is where does that data come from?
I know that the task notes and Project properties comments appear in the
MSP_TASK table RTF_NOTES field, but have not found out what places data in
the RESERVED_BINARY_DATA field. By finding out this I can then deal with the
client and resolve how best to handle the information to ensure the file size
does not 'blow out'. Again finding a way of deleting the information
completely and compacting without going through Access would also be of help.

Sorry this is a little long winded, but it would be good to find an answer.

 

[Rod Gill]

Deleting binary data risks completely corrupting your project. For speed of
loading, I think all project data is held in binary blob fields. The other
fields hold duplicate text data. That's why you have to set _EXT flags if
you edit data so Project will read it, otherwise it ignores all text data on
load and just reads from binary fields.

When you open a project in MS Project immediately select File, Save (or
Ctrl+S). That's the only time besides File, Save as that Project does
housekeeping on the file.