Expert: Joe Kabanek - 4/9/2002

Question
Dear Expert
I use Project 98.
I need to copy start & End dates for tasks from the Excel to Project. Every time I do so the end date changes. Help !
Thanks


Answer
Hello Shay,

I was able to duplicate this event.  Why it's happening has to do with the way the program calculates dates.  But before addressing that, I would ask you why you want to put in the dates in Excel then transfer them to Project.  Project is made to accurately project start and end dates and times for you based on task duration, predecessor tasks, resource availability, and the like.  It actually calculates not just full dates, but portions thereof to accurately determines task completion and project completion dates.  You may want to try putting in the task durations, then only the start dates.  Let Project calculate the finish dates.  That's what it's doing anyway, and that's why you are seeing the end dates change.  I also confirmed that the date changes based on whether you are setting the project to start from a specific date (the default) or to finish by a specific date (Project, Project Information, Schedule From...).  So MS-Project is doing just what it is designed to do - consider all the constraining factors, and calculate the appropriate dates.

This may not be the answer you wanted to hear, but there is no work-around, because that is how the program works.  I do hope it has helped you a little by helping you understand the program better.  Let me know if I can offer any other assistance or explanation.

Joe