Opening Project server file causes task start date to change

[aljohnso]

Problem: When I open a MSProject server file, the start date on one of the
tasks changes instantly, seemingly with cause.

Details: The creator of the file set the constraint on a task to be , "Start
no earlier than" 5/2/05. The constraint on it's parent task is "Start as
soon as possible," with no date set. When she views the file, the task start
date shows correctly as 5/2/05.

When I open the file, the Start date for that task immediately changes to
9/1/05. The constraint remains "Start as soon as possible" with a date of
5/2/05.

The Project start date is 5/2/05.
The (workgroup) resource assigned to the task has no other tasks assigned.
There are no local resources on the resource sheet for this project.

I'm using Office Professional, 2003 (11.1.2004.1707.15) SP1.

I suspect I have some local setting which is causing the date to move out,
but I have no idea what it might be. All suggestions welcome.

Thanks!

 

[Jonathan Sofer - MCP]

Are you saying that when the creator views the file, she sees it ok but when
you open the file it changes the date? Do you have Automatic Calculate
under Tools>Options>Calculation tab on the top under Calculation mode?

What happens when the creator opens the file and hits F9. Does she see the
same date shift to 9/1/05?

 

[Reid McTaggart]

Perhaps you have Resource Leveling set to Automatic.

Check under Tools > Level resources

 

[aljohnso]

It turned out that the creator of the Project file had indeed assigned the
Resource in question tasks on other projects. As expected, when leveling,
the tasks on the other Projects were taking priority, preventing the Resource
from being assigned to my project until the Resource became available
(9/1/05).

Thanks for your suggestions.