Project using a Microsoft Access database

[trevorjhughes]

I have found that is is quite simple to open an Access database as a
Project file. I was wondering however if it was possible to use
Microsoft Access as the repository of the Project data so that when I
make changes to the Access database they are automatically reflected
in the Project file.

I have read all the Project books I can find but cannot find a method
to do this. Alternatively if it is possible to store the Project data
in an SQL Server database, that would be just as good.

If anyone can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

Regards
Trevor

 

[Jim Aksel]

You will need to start by understanding the Project Schema, for P2003, try
here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...C2-3AC1-4FC8-8E67-D908CDB9FAF2&displaylang=en

You can write to necessary data to the database and Project will open it
just fine.
You will need to do that looking in the Access documentation, not project.
In Access you can develop all the forms you need, etc.

Sure, it will talk to SQL as well.
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If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

Jim Aksel, MVP

Check out my blog for more information:
http://www.msprojectblog.com

 

[Rod Gill]

Be aware this functionality no longer works in Project 2007

--

Rod Gill
Microsoft MVP for Project

Author of the only book on Project VBA, see:
http://www.projectvbabook.com

 

[Jim Aksel]

Thanks for the reminder Rod.
If P2007 is involved, need to use an XML approach

You can also Export the Project data from P2007 from Report/Visual Reports...
Select a report and then use the Save Database feature.

Lastly, to open a datbase file in Project2007, File/Open... Select ODBC
button..
You will need to have a DSN already set up. I have not tried that in P2007
SP2.

Looks like a bit more work.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

Jim Aksel, MVP

Check out my blog for more information:
http://www.msprojectblog.com

 

[trevorjhughes]

Thanks for the help.

After doing a little playing around by opening a project file that was
saved as an Access Database, I've been able to work out fields in my
database that I need to use in Project when opening the MDB file from
Project.

I have mapped the following fields:
Task Name
Start
Finish
Outline number
Outline level
Resource

This allows me to open my MS Access file, use the map to translate my
Access fields to Project fields so now whenever I open the Access file
I get just the result I've been trying to achieve. The advantage for
me is that I can manipulate the data in Access and use the power of
Project to view that data in a Gantt chart or calendar view.

Thanks again for the advice.