convert a project 2003 file to project 1998 version?

[Willem Cronje]

I received an attachment in MS Project 2003, my MS Project is still 98. Can
you convert the attachment

 

[Iona]

I received the same error message and my file is supposedly already a 2003
file. I would be interested in the response you receive.

 

[John]

I received an attachment in MS Project 2003, my MS Project is still 98. Can
you convert the attachment

William,
Wow, that's a new one. We get several requests to update old Project
files but this is the first time I've every heard someone wanted to go
backwards. A suggestion - upgrade your version of Project. Even if you
don't want to spend the money to buy the current version, Project 2007,
you should be able to pick up a copy of Project 2000 or Project 2003 at
a very reasonable price from one of the on-line auctions. If you do,
make sure it is a full version although in your case an upgrade Project
2000 will still be ok.

As far as down-converting, I believe Project 2003 allows files to be
saved in Project 98 format. If you want to send me the file, just zip it
and send it to my address below.

John
Project MVP
jensenljatatfastmaildotdotfm
(remove obvious redundancies)

 

[JulieS]

Iona,

Double check your settings in Tools >Options, security. Select
"allow loading files with legacy or non-default file formats".

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

 

[Iona]

Hi Julie,

Thanks, I did check that and it has been set per the instructions below.

I believe the problem may be that this file was created 5 years ago and on
Project Server (98 version). We are now using Project Professional 2007 and
NOT on Server. However within the file still are the Enterprise Fields that
have values but we no longer utilize. What has been happening when I save the
file, Project deletes my data in any "NEW" customized fields (either they be
Text, Cost or Number) and gives me that Project 98 error message.
This would help me alot to salvage this file. This file has all our dept
projects since 2003 and our budget. I wouldn't want to have to start over on
this one.

Thank you for your time..

 

[JulieS]

Hi Iona,

Sorry for the delay in replying. So, if I understand correctly,
when you attempt to enter data into custom fields using Project
2007, and save, the data is removed? Are you attempting to use the
Project 98 file as a template? What happens if, before you enter
data into the custom fields you save the file as a Project 2007
version and convert it to 2007? (Obviously experiment on a copy).

Are you also saying that you have used the exact same file for the
last 5 years to track different projects? So, you keep adding more
and more data?

Julie