Starting date

[robert_2002]

How can I change the starting date for a complete project?

I have built-up a project chart, starting on Feb 2004, the
last activity being in september. The chart contains
several linked activities. I hope it should be possible to
easily shift the whole project, e.g. move the start date
to april 2004.

According to the help window, I have to use PROJECT -->
PROJECT INFORMATION, and then change the start date.
But it doesn't work.

Thanks

Robert

 

[Steve House]

You didn't say what version of Project you're using but in the current
releases you can open the Analysis toolbar and use the Adjust Dates tool
on it. Simply specify the new start date and everything gets adjusted
accordingly.

There's a reason that changing the start in Project Information does not
change the task's date that's setting off alarm bells. I'll bet you
entered the task and supplied expected start and finish dates rather
than letting project calculate them for you. Such constraints make it
very difficult for Project to do it's job of computing an optimum
schedule for you. You would be well advised to change the task
constraints, if any, to "As Soon As Possible." Another cause of
changing the start date not affecting the tasks is if you have actuals
posted into the plan. You don't do you? It wouldn't make sense to
since you said the present plan starts in Feb 2004 and actuals represent
historical data - you can't do work for the future today unless you have
a time maachine.