Using Project 2003 for first time. I have a summary task (1st Quarter) that starts May 08 and needs to end July 30 however I have a task that starts in the first quarter and the end date is in the second quarter which is changing my end date for the first quarter summary task. Help! Saving Changes...
Darren KosaPlanning & Controls ContractorHampshire, United Kingdom
Hi Susan,
Unfortunately this reply is probably too late, but for future reference it sounds as though you have a task dependency that is incorrect.
A quick way to check this is to open up either the predecessor or successor columns (or both) and also the ID column (Insert > Column > choose from the Field name drop-down menu).
The numbers in the predecessor / successor columns relate directly to the task numbers in the ID column and depending on how the schedule was set up may also contain information relating to lead or lag times.
It’s then a logical process of looking at the May – July summary and sub-tasks to see if they are linked to the task that starts in the first quarter and ends in the second.
The task ID in the predecessor column means it happen before the task on that row and the task ID in the successor column means it happens after.
The reason I include looking at the sub-tasks, is that the summary task takes its dates from the sub-task durations directly below it (the start date of the earliest sub-task and the finish date of the latest sub-task).
This may also be another reason why the summary task dates change, it could mean that the task that starts in the first quarter and ends in the second is a sub-task of the summary. To rectify this you might have to change the outline by outdenting it.
It sounds like you’re on a very steep learning curve, so I would definitely advise you to invest in a reference book to help you get through trials of initially learning MS Project.
