Making changes to a subproject without changing the original file

[newtothis08]

After consolidating a number of subprojects into one master project, I'm
trying to make some changes to the subprojects which I DON"T want to appear
on the original files (that are being used by my project managers). I've
followed the steps recommended by the office online help, using the advance
tab in the task information setion and clearing the "Link to Project" box.
However each time I go back to the advance box the "Link to Project" is
ticked again and all the changes I make to the subproject appear in the
original file.
How do I overcome this problem.

I DO want changes done to the original file to refelct in the master project
but not the other way around.

I'm using project 2003

Appreciate your help.

Elle

 

[DavidC]

Hi newtothis08,

First, your query was lodged the first time.

A master project merely contains those project files which are being
interconnected through links. Hence any chnage to the project file will show
up in the master as it is the same file. If you need to have a summary for
your project manager you may need to set up a second project as a copy of the
first but with each project file in the master, you will need to select the
file (the upper summary task) and go to the Inseretd project information box,
and untick the "Link to project". This will then set the file as a set of
tasks within the master file and no longer linked to the original file. The
original file still remains. You will need to check some linkes to make sure
they are still intact as sometimes the interproject links get lost in the
process.

This is clumsy since you will have two projects schedules for the same
project and each will show a different project outcome if you make changes in
one and not the other. If all you are trying to do is to show the PM
options and outcomes around those options, I will often create a separate
project named with a title such as Schedule with no appeal, but keep the
original one intact until a decision is made about the options that are
available.

Hope this helps a little.

Regards

DavidC

 

[JulieS]

Hi Elle,

I suggest creating a static master file on a regular basis. Create a
new project and choose Insert > Project. In the Insert Project dialog
box, deselect the option "Link to project". You may select multiple
project files. The selected project files are now inserted, but
changes made to the tasks in the master project will not go back to
the inserted project file.

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP

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