How do I link dates from one file to another?

[JD]

I am trying to link subtasks and Start and Finish dates from one file into
another so that when I change one, the other is automatically updated. I
tried paste special, paste link, but that didn't work. Help!

 

[DavidC]

Hi,

When you say it didn't work, are you saying the paste special didn't work or
that there was no automatic update? The link feature does have a delay
before updating as it needs to realculate first. The other thing to check
though is whether or not you have selected Automatic in the calculation tab
under tools/options.

However it sounds more like you may need to set up a master project with the
two files as subprojects. Then you an link between the two files the same
way as for a normal project.

Hope this helps

regards

DavidC

 

[JD]

Yes, you are correct--the paste special did not work--updates did not happen
when changes were made. I will try the master schedule. Thank you very much
for your response!

 

[Rick]

In the ID field in the Task Information, Predecessor Tab you have to type in
the path for the link. I go to the place where the file that you want to
link resides and then I copy and paste the path from the properties palette
(my paths are usually long) or your can type it in manually, then type in the
file name of the other Project plan and end the string by typing in .mpp a
backslash\ID number of the predecessor. Should look something like this
C:\MS Project Plans\Project 1.mpp\5 If you typed the path correctly, it
will update the external link and show the actual name of the predecessor
task. When the external project plan is updated it will reflect the changes
when you open your plan. Also notice in the Predecessor Tab that you can set
Finish-start and lag between projects to trigger starts and stops.

 

[JD]

Thank you for the help. I also found out that I need to open the source file
first, then the file I am linking to, then save and close the file I am
linking to before I save and close the source file. Otherwise, the links get
all screwed up and don't know where to go. This may be simple, but I didn't
know. Thanks for your input!