Import Project Standard 2003 tasks and deadlines to Outlook 2003

[buzzlifeyear]

It should be possible to import calendar and task information into MS Outlook
from MS Project. Integration between these two related programs is not good
enough!

 

[Steve House [MVP]]

Well, Project is not really a personal work scheduling planner in the same
sense that Outlook's task list is. You can email a task assignment to
yourself using the Workgroup tools if you want so that a task schedule
you've developed in Project is added to your Outlook to-do list. You'll
need to activate the workgroup tool bar in Project and also download and
install the WGSETUP.EXE add-in for Outlook from the MS web site in order for
Outlook to understand the format of the messages generated by Project.
There are several articles in the Microsoft knowledge base that'll guide you
through the process. Start with:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;818337

or search on "project" and "workgroup."

 

[buzzlifeyear]

Thanks for the response. However, I'm afraid I still have a problem. I
have downloaded the Workgroup Mail feature for Project 2003, but can't find
the WGSETUP.EXE for Outlook download anywhere!

I agree that Project and Outlook are quite different, but project planning
and personal work schedules can't help but affect each other.

 

[Steve House [MVP]]

That knowledge base article has the link to download the necessary files.
It's a package and WGSETUP is part of the bunch.

 

[buzzlifeyear]

I'm sorry, but I am none the wiser! The article as in the link supplied
refers to MS Project only. Nothing for Outlook. Is another add-in required
for Outlook as seems from the original reply or not?

I'm a bit nervous about having to edit the regsistry too.

 

[Steve House [MVP]]

I know it refers to Project but trust me, it's an installation package and
the files for Outlook are part of it. When you download and expand the
archive you'll find the files and instructions in the folder you create to
hold the expanded files.

Here's the URL for the download page for the Workgroup Message Handler
package:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...15-1090-452c-8eba-4025b8976c18&displaylang=en
if you look at the bottom of the page you'll see the system requirements and
the email programs it's compatible with, including Outlook, are listed.

It's a two step process starting with Project and that's why what you're
seeing is refering only to Project. You have to first activate Project's
ability to send messages to email systems. Then on the receiving side you
have to configure Outlook so it can understand the messages Project sends to
it. In a formal PM scenario you'd configure Project and then email as
attachments the email client configuration programs to your resources for
them to run on their own machines. Then to get your tasks from a Project
file into your own Outlook, you assign yourself as a resource in Project and
mail your task assignments to yourself. When Outlook receives it in email,
you accept the assignment and it enters them into the to-do list. Of
course, if you're using Project in a full-fledged Project management role
you'd also be mailing the rest of your resource team their task assignments
from Project as well.

It's well to be nervous about editing the registry but those direction come
straight from the MS horse's mouth and as long as you follow them to the
letter and double check against typos you'll be ok.

--
Steve House [MVP]
MS Project Trainer/Consultant
Visit http://www.mvps.org/project/faqs.htm for the FAQs

 

[Eric]

I have installed the WGsetup and set the registry keys but i don't see any
additional toolbars or buttons in my outlook or project professional.

can any one send me a screen shot (if possible at eric.anacay"AT"yahoo.com)
of what happens and how to use the installed feature.

i'm not sure if i'm missing something in the installation or maybe i was
expecting something different.

Thanks!
-Eric