I want the start time to move, based on duration and predecessor

[MelissaKae]

This is so frustrating and happens every time I copy and paste from Excel
into Project and everything has the same start and end dates. I then put in
my links and durations. I would like the start dates to change based on the
predecessor and the duration. For example, task 2 is a predecessor for task
3. Task 2 has a duration of 2 days, from May 3 to May 4. I would like Task 3
to start on the next day and last 2 days. I change the duration, but the
start time remains the same as Task 2. I don't want to have to manually
change all the start dates, but I don't see a way to make the start dates
change.

 

[JulieS]

Hello MelissaKae,

When you copy and paste data into the Start and Finish fields you
create constraints. Constraints prevent the tasks from adjusting
automatically based upon predecessors.

Once you copy and paste into Excel, select all tasks by clicking
on the Task Name column heading. Choose Project > Task
Information to display the Multiple Task Information dialog box.
On the Advanced tab, click the Constraint type drop-down and
select As Soon As Possible. That should reset the constraints so
the task dates now change based upon predecessor information.

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

 

[MelissaKae]

Hi, Julie.

I've done that, but the start date won't move. I also made all tasks be
Fixed Duration. All predecesors also have Finish to Start. The start dates
just won't budge!

 

[Melanie Remen]

Hi MelissaKae, hope you are well.

You must be feeling frustrated!

From the information you have provided so far, it doesn’t appear that you
are doing anything wrong, however sometimes it can be difficult to pin-point
the nature of the problem without seeing the actual project file and it’s
settings.

Here are a couple of things you may wish to consider (if you’ve not done so
already):

1. Examine the working times for all the tasks, in particular, is the start
date you have in mind for task 3 a working day?

2. What version of Project are you’re using? (2010 schedules new tasks
manually by default) If you’re using this version make sure you’ve switched
to auto-schedule new tasks.

3. Post an example of the issue in a public document space and provide the
link to it. Perhaps then we can examine your schedule and it’s settings and
find a resolution for you.

Good luck and I hope you are able to find a resolution in here.

--
Kind regards

Melanie Remen
For more tips on Microsoft Project and Microsoft Project Server, please
visit my blog at: http://msproject03-2010tips.blogspot.com/

 

[JulieS]

Hi MelissaKae,

Hmm, let's check a couple of more things:
1) Calculation mode is set to automatic. See Tools > Options,
Calculation tab.
2) There are no actual start dates. Apply the Tracking table and
make sure there are no values in the Actual Start field other
than NA.

If you'd like, go ahead and email me the file. I'll take a look.
Email to prjng [at] maine [dot] rr [dot] com


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