Dates changed when move data from Access native format to Project

[IdeaCorps]

We have a system that takes data from a series of tables in MS Access and
moves the data into MSP_* tables in the same database so that the formerly MS
Access data can be used and adjusted in MS Project. When we move data into
MS Project any previously specified start dates get changed to the date that
the data was imported into the MSP_PROJECTS and MSP_TASKS tables. We are
considering using custom start dates, but are not sure that this is the right
approach to take. Some help would be much appreciated.

 

[Rob Schneider]

We have a system that takes data from a series of tables in MS Access and
moves the data into MSP_* tables in the same database so that the formerly MS
Access data can be used and adjusted in MS Project. When we move data into
MS Project any previously specified start dates get changed to the date that
the data was imported into the MSP_PROJECTS and MSP_TASKS tables. We are
considering using custom start dates, but are not sure that this is the right
approach to take. Some help would be much appreciated.

Humm. Sounds like the system "that takes date from a series of tables
...." is the system that probably is changing the dates isn't doing it right.

 

[IdeaCorps]

We have followed the process all the way to the MSP_TASKS table and all seems
to be well. When the file is opened in MS Project and saved the date values
are all overwritten with the date that the file was opened and saved. Is
there a way to force MS project to leave the values that were previously
inserted as they were?

 

[Rod Gill]

If you import dates to Project, then project can't add much value. Instead
you should be importing durations and links between tasks. Then project can
calculate dates and so add value.

Like Rob I suspect your app isn't updating the MSP_ tables correctly.

--

Rod Gill
Project MVP

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[Dave]

How about you take a Project, one you created in Project and for which
you can be confident that the dates don't change every time you open it.
Then you copy the task dates to Access and then use your technique to
copy them back to the project or a copy of it to try and determine
whether or not it is your technique or Project that is causing this
behaviour.

Normally Project doesn't change dates when you open it but you could try
playing around with the automatic calculation settings "tools/options"
to see if that has any effect. I wasn't able to find a way of making it
move tasks when you open it (other than some of the tracking options).

Are you simply importing tasks with no progress recorded against them?