Locating a Circular Reference in a Master with Sub Project

[Brad Harris]

MSP2K7
I have a Master project that has 7 sub projects underneath. I can not edit
the Master because of a circular reference error that comes up when I open
the project. Any edits are not saved because of error. So I am stuck. I
looked on this forum and the most extensive problem was discussed back in
3/06. I am hoping something or someone has found a way to trouple shoot. I
would think that MSP2K7 would give you a hint at what tasks were createing
the problem. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[JulieS]

Hello Brad,

I assume you can edit the subproject file if opened outside of the
master? If so, the circular reference is in the Master project
itself -- I would look for links between tasks in the subprojects as
use the Task Driver pane to see if you can hunt it down.

The other option is to re-create the master by re-inserting the
subprojects and carefully re-link. This, although possibly painful,
may be the best way. If Project is kicking error messages, it is
possible the master file is corrupt and may not be repairable in the
long run.

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

 

[John]

MSP2K7
I have a Master project that has 7 sub projects underneath. I can not edit
the Master because of a circular reference error that comes up when I open
the project. Any edits are not saved because of error. So I am stuck. I
looked on this forum and the most extensive problem was discussed back in
3/06. I am hoping something or someone has found a way to trouple shoot. I
would think that MSP2K7 would give you a hint at what tasks were createing
the problem. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Brad,
To add to Julie's suggestions, the number one reason for circular
relationships is links on summary lines and having them in the master
compounds the issue. I'd look for those first and remove them.

Beyond the summary links issue, the most prevalent cause of circular
relationships in a dynamic master is "backward pass" type links. All
links should be of the "forward pass" type. The order in which each
subproject is edited and saved can also have an impact on circular
relationships in a master file. The problem may not show up when opening
individual subprojects, even though it may have links to other
subprojects, but when the whole thing is opened up in the master, the
bad links cause an error.

Try Julie's suggestions. If you don't have any luck, I may be able to
help. I have a macro that coverts a dynamic master to a static master
including links between subprojects. If there is a problem, it tells me
where the problem is likely to be. However, the macro is not freeware.

I'll monitor this thread to see how your troubleshooting goes.

John
Project MVP

 

[Brad Harris]

Yes, All subproject files can be opened and saved. When saving the master,
all subprojects will close except for one, when MSP2k7 Pro tries to sve it,
the app crashes. We are going to try to remove some links shortly.
Thanks

 

[Brad Harris]

Thanks John, Why doesn't MSP2K7 give you a Hint on where the error is like a
task number? We are going to troubleshoot here shortly.

 

[JulieS]

Thanks Brad. Good luck and let us know how things come out.

Julie
Project MVP

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for the FAQs and additional information
about Microsoft Project

 

[John]

Thanks John, Why doesn't MSP2K7 give you a Hint on where the error is like a
task number? We are going to troubleshoot here shortly.

Brad,
You're welcome. As I recall the error message does give a slight hint
but unfortunately because of the link chain it is very difficult to tell
where the "source" of the problem lies. Project's scheduling algorithm
just ain't that smart. If you've ever traced a circular relationship by
yourself, you'd understand what I mean.

John
Project MVP

 

[Wally]

Hello John,

I would be interested in finding out how to obtain a copy of the dynamic
conversion macro if that can help point out where the circular reference
problem might be. We have recurring problems with people who edit their
subproject and then circular references appear when the master is opened.

Thansk,

Wally

 

[John]

Hello John,

I would be interested in finding out how to obtain a copy of the dynamic
conversion macro if that can help point out where the circular reference
problem might be. We have recurring problems with people who edit their
subproject and then circular references appear when the master is opened.

Thansk,

Wally

Wally,
I assume you do not have links on summary lines. If you do, get rid of
those first.

With regard to the macro I mentioned, as noted in my original post, it
is not freeware. If you want more information, write me direct at the
address below. If you do write, please provide the following information:
1. What company do you work for?
2. What is their main product or service?
3. What do you do at the company?
4. Where are you located?
5. What version of Project are you using (including updates)?

John
Project MVP
jensenljatatfastmaildotdotfm
(remove obvious redundancies)