Master/Consolidated file stays linked/creates duplicate external l

[Mimi]

I have 18 mpp Subproject files, these 18 files have external links between
each other (more than 800 external links), Total activity count for all 18
files is 12K.
I want to create a static master,, I’ve used the following process:

1. Create a new blank file
2. Go to Insert/Project
3. Select each individual project (as a group) from the list in the
Insert Project window.
I’ve unchecked the "link to project" option at the bottom of the Insert
Project window and then hit "Insert".

However, I get multiple problems.
#1 – the files are still linked and then the external links get duplicated.
(i.e. File 1_Task24 to File 2_Task58, now looks like this File 1_Task24 to
File2_Task58, AND to MASTER_Task125.

When I’ve created a Dynamic Master it works perfectly, but I need a static
Master, and would like the external links to be imbedded within the ONE file.
I have seen this work in Project 2000 & 2002.

From The Dynamic I have also, gone to each subproject Summary Task, Clicked
on TASK INFO, and ADVANCED tab and cleared the LINK TO PROJECT box and saved
as a new file. Unfortunately, the files still remained linked, and worse, it
created the duplicate external links still.

Help.
-Mimi

 

[Rod Gill]

If you've read many of my posts you'll probably realise by now that I don't
link links: basically because the DDE technology they are based on is weak
and if you're not careful it's very easy to corrupt one or more files!

I don't have a solution to your linking problem, but I do have an
alternative.

Even in Project Server I prefer never to link tasks. Project 12 has a new
feature called Deliverables. Basically this means that you can set a date
for a Task that represents an agreed Deliverable Date. I have used this
concept for many years. It is fairly easy to set up as a VBA Macro.

In each Project use:
Date1 as a Deliverable Agreed Date column
Text1 as a Deliverable Status column
Number1 as a Unique ID for the task in the other project you want to
link to.
You'll use a Hyperlink to define which project the Task you want to link
to lives in.

So Project A has a Deliverable. Make it easy and have milestones for all
Deliverables under a Deliverable Summary Task at or near the top of the
schedule. They should be linked to the tasks completing the deliverable, but
Date1 is your agreed delivery date and you can still have a Deadline to
define when you internal project's delivery date should be. Date1 represents
the date you've agreed to complete this deliverable for other projects.

Project B wants to consume the deliverable date in Project A. Have a Summary
Task called External Tasks that has all milestones to be driven by external
tasks.

You now need a Macro that:

Loops through all tasks
For every task with Number1>0 (has external link)
Open the project using the Hyperlink
Read the Date1 field for the Task with a Unique ID in Number1 field
(in Project B)
If the project can be opened and Date1 valid (>2000 and <2100)
Copy Date1 into Start
Close other project
End if

As projects typically get updated once a week (if you're lucky) you only
need to run the macro once a week to update your tasks. Now you can have
Master projects without worrying about links corrupting your files or
getting duplicated.

 

[John]

I have 18 mpp Subproject files, these 18 files have external links between
each other (more than 800 external links), Total activity count for all 18
files is 12K.
I want to create a static master,, I’ve used the following process:

1. Create a new blank file
2. Go to Insert/Project
3. Select each individual project (as a group) from the list in the
Insert Project window.
I’ve unchecked the "link to project" option at the bottom of the Insert
Project window and then hit "Insert".

However, I get multiple problems.
#1 – the files are still linked and then the external links get duplicated.
(i.e. File 1_Task24 to File 2_Task58, now looks like this File 1_Task24 to
File2_Task58, AND to MASTER_Task125.

When I’ve created a Dynamic Master it works perfectly, but I need a static
Master, and would like the external links to be imbedded within the ONE file.
I have seen this work in Project 2000 & 2002.

From The Dynamic I have also, gone to each subproject Summary Task, Clicked
on TASK INFO, and ADVANCED tab and cleared the LINK TO PROJECT box and saved
as a new file. Unfortunately, the files still remained linked, and worse, it
created the duplicate external links still.

Help.
-Mimi

Mimi,
The problem with trying to create a static master is that the ghost
links are effectively duplicated (as you found out).

A better approach is to unlink the dynamic master however there is one
other little catch - a VBA macro is needed to re-establish the external
links by converting them to normal Predecessors and Successors. And no,
this cannot be done with any version of Project without a macro.

As it turns out a few years ago I wrote a macro to do exactly what you
need but I will tell you up front, it is not freeware. If you are still
interested, let me know and I'll give you more details.

John
Project MVP

 

[Mimi]

John,
Yes, I would appreciate more info on this macro, documentation, testing,
availability, Compatibility, etc. anything that will help my manager
understand and make a purchase decision.

-Mimi

 

[John]

John,
Yes, I would appreciate more info on this macro, documentation, testing,
availability, Compatibility, etc. anything that will help my manager
understand and make a purchase decision.

-Mimi

Mimi,
OK, write me direct at this address and I'll give you full details.
jensenj6atatcomcastdotdotnet
(remove obvious redundancies)

john