Inserting subproject into master project

[jgzigler]

I need help inserting a subproject into a master project. Since my project
involves several iterations of the same tasks, I created a subproject
containing one iteration with its own set of dates. I inserted this into the
master project--- no problem.

I then opened a copy of subprojectA, saved it as subprojectB, changed the
dates for subprojectB and saved it again. I now have two different projects
with the same tasks, but different dates for the tasks.

I tried inserting subprojectB into the master project file, but I get an
error message saying "A project can only be inserted once in a consolidated
project. Select a different project to insert."

I dont understand since there are two different files, two different names,
etc.

Can you help?

 

[Rod Gill]

By saving A as B, MSProject recorded Project B as the project you had
already inserted. You should be able to insert Project A.

If you had copied the file in Windows explorer it would have inserted with
no problems.

 

[jgzigler]

So how do I fix this? I now have a master project with an inserted
task/subproject pointing to SubprojectA. I am trying to insert SubprojectB
(the copy of A).

If you are correct in thinking MSProject recorded B as A, how do I 'reverse'
it and have it think A is A and delete B?

If I can get back to this point, I can then go to explorer as you suggest
and file copy A to B there and then go back to project to reinsert B as B.

Thanks for your help.

 

[John]

So how do I fix this? I now have a master project with an inserted
task/subproject pointing to SubprojectA. I am trying to insert SubprojectB
(the copy of A).

If you are correct in thinking MSProject recorded B as A, how do I 'reverse'
it and have it think A is A and delete B?

If I can get back to this point, I can then go to explorer as you suggest
and file copy A to B there and then go back to project to reinsert B as B.

Thanks for your help.

jgzigler,
Here's an alternate approach.
1. If your master and/or subprojectB are open, close them.
2. Open a new blank file and insert suprojectB but before hitting
"insert" after selecting the file, uncheck the box in the lower right
that says "link to project". This will create a static master.
3. Select all tasks in the new master except for ID 1 which is the
summary line created by the insertion
4. Outdent the selected tasks.
5. Delete the task at ID 1 which was previously the insertion point
summary line
6. Use Save As to save this new file as subprojectB
7. Now insert subprojectB into your master.

The above process steps 2 through 6 are also often helpful to clear file
corruption.

Hope this helps.
John
Project MVP

 

[jgzigler]

Thanks John.

Im curious, if I opened subprojectB and selected File - Properties and then
selected the Summary tab, can I just change the title of subprojectB (right
now it says the title is subprojectA) and then click OK? Would that keep
MSProject from thinking that subprojectA and subprojectB are the same files?

Joel

 

[John]

Thanks John.

Im curious, if I opened subprojectB and selected File - Properties and then
selected the Summary tab, can I just change the title of subprojectB (right
now it says the title is subprojectA) and then click OK? Would that keep
MSProject from thinking that subprojectA and subprojectB are the same files?

Joel

Joel,
It may, give it a try, you can't hurt anything.

It sounds like you may be using Project 2000. Some time ago there was a
round of discussion either in this newsgroup or amongst the MVPs on this
very subject. Project 2000 and Project 2003 (don't know about 2002)
handle the Title property a little differently when it comes to
inserting subprojects. I don't remember all the details but when
inserting a subproject into a master, the Title property of the
subproject is used as the Task Name for the summary line insertion
point.

At any rate, if simply changing the Title property doesn't work, the
method I outlined in my initial response will.

John
Project MVP

 

[jgzigler]

Changing the FILE- Properties-Summary-Title solved that problem.

Right now, I have attached the same resource pool to the master and to the
subprojects. The resource pool is simply a project with resources but with
no tasks.

I want to be able to print a calendar view "using resource..." at the master
project level that pulls tasks from each of the subprojects for the selected
resource. Do I need to do anything different? Do I need to put the
resources in at the master level and remove the resource pool? Or just leave
it the way it is?

Thanks
Joel

 

[John]

Changing the FILE- Properties-Summary-Title solved that problem.

Right now, I have attached the same resource pool to the master and to the
subprojects. The resource pool is simply a project with resources but with
no tasks.

I want to be able to print a calendar view "using resource..." at the master
project level that pulls tasks from each of the subprojects for the selected
resource. Do I need to do anything different? Do I need to put the
resources in at the master level and remove the resource pool? Or just leave
it the way it is?

Thanks
Joel

Joel,
OK, so the simple "fix" worked in this case - good.

With regard to your other question, I see you make a separate post and
Mike responded.

John

 

[jgzigler]

John thank you for all your help. You have been a real time-saver for me.
Joel

 

[John]

John thank you for all your help. You have been a real time-saver for me.
Joel

Joel,
You're welcome. That's what we are here for, and thanks for the feedback.

John