External Link Error

[beth]

I am using Microsoft Project 2000 (9.2.2000.0224) under MS Windows
2000 (5.00.2195, Service Pack 4) to manage a project schedule with one
master project and 11 subprojects. There are numerous external links
between these projects. I did not create the schedule, but am doing
updates.

In one of the subprojects, on the link screen that shows external
predecessors and external successors, one of the external successor
links shows 'File not found' in the 'Differences' column. The link
does not show up when I show links in the schedules. When I try to
delete the link, and close the link screen, I get the following error:

The instruction at "0x3052f3f2" referenced memory at "0x00000000." The
memory could not be "read."

I need to delete this "phantom" link, so that I can establish a real
link.

Any ideas how I can fix this?

Thanks.

Beth Hess
SPX Service Solutions
Cleveland, Ohio

 

[John]

I am using Microsoft Project 2000 (9.2.2000.0224) under MS Windows
2000 (5.00.2195, Service Pack 4) to manage a project schedule with one
master project and 11 subprojects. There are numerous external links
between these projects. I did not create the schedule, but am doing
updates.

In one of the subprojects, on the link screen that shows external
predecessors and external successors, one of the external successor
links shows 'File not found' in the 'Differences' column. The link
does not show up when I show links in the schedules. When I try to
delete the link, and close the link screen, I get the following error:

The instruction at "0x3052f3f2" referenced memory at "0x00000000." The
memory could not be "read."

I need to delete this "phantom" link, so that I can establish a real
link.

Any ideas how I can fix this?

Thanks.

Beth Hess
SPX Service Solutions
Cleveland, Ohio

beth,
My first guess is that the link is to a file that is not part of the
master. Was there another project that at one time was in the master but
now is not? If so, I'd try adding that project back into the master and
then attempt to delete the link.

Another possibility is that you have some file corruption. The
subproject files may have been moved around (i.e. to different
directories) over the course of the life of the master and that may have
introduced a corrupt link structure. Ideally files involved in a
master/subproject structure should remain in one location. They don't
necessarily have to all reside in the same directory but that is the
best structure. Try rebuilding the master. You of course will lose any
formatting that is associated with the master itself but if you use the
Organizer to transfer customized views, filters, etc. associated with
the master, you should be ok.

John
Project MVP

 

[beth]

John,

Thanks for the suggestions. As far as I know, there is no project that
was part of the master that needs to be added back.

I'll try rebuilding the master.

Beth

 

[John]

John,

Thanks for the suggestions. As far as I know, there is no project that
was part of the master that needs to be added back.

I'll try rebuilding the master.

Beth

Beth,
OK, let us know if rebuilding works. If not, we'll try something else.

John
Project MVP

 

[beth]

John,

Rebuilding the master did the trick. Would really like to know what
caused the corruption, so we can try to avoid it in the future. Is
moving the files the only thing that we need to make sure we don't do?

Beth

 

[John]

John,

Rebuilding the master did the trick. Would really like to know what
caused the corruption, so we can try to avoid it in the future. Is
moving the files the only thing that we need to make sure we don't do?

Beth

Beth,
Great! I'm glad that worked for you. There are various things that might
cause corruption in linked or master files but the most prevalent is
moving the files around. Keep the files in the same folder and you
should have very few problems. Something else I always do if I modify or
delete a link is to use Save As on both the source and destination files
to insure both "ends" of the link are eliminated. This is absolutely
important if Paste Links are involved but it's also good practice with
master/subproject, resource pool/sharer, and external predecessor type
links. However, if you follow these suggestions but still encounter more
problems, post a message and we'll help you out.

By the way, you might like to read more about clearing file corruption
on our MVP website at, http://www.mvps.org/project/faqs.htm. Take a look
at FAQ 43 - Handling project file corruption and/or bloat.

John
Project MVP

 

[beth]

John,

Thanks for the tips. I will check out the FAQ at the MVP website.

Beth

 

[John]

John,

Thanks for the tips. I will check out the FAQ at the MVP website.

Beth

Beth,
You're welcome and thanks for the feedback.
John