Cannot Insert Subproject

Question

I cannot add a specific project to my Consolidated (Master) project in Project 2010 Standard.  I have Windows 7, 2GB RAM, 120GB free disk space, Office 2007 as well as Project 2010 Standard. 

I have created a common resource pool with approximately 600 defined resources (real people!) now and expect that the resource pool will grow to approximately 2000 plus resources.  I currently have 5 projects to add to a Consolidated (Master) Project and expect that to grow to between 150 - 300 projects.  I hope to convince my manager that we should use MS Enterprise Project Management before reaching that level.  I create my real projects from one of my project templates by copying the template and renaming it..  All of my projects use the same resource pool.

I have done some project file copying as well as moves learning along the way that the best solution is a single directory so now all of my files are in a common folder.  I have successfuly added 3 of my current projects to the consolidated project but have been blocked when trying to add the 4th project receiving the error "A project can be inserted only once in a consolidated worksheet.".   I have examined the links in the resource pool (Resource, Resource Pool, Share Resources) and everything looks fine with no duplicate references; all 4 projects are linked as is the consolidated project.  I have also enabled Show Project Summary line (line 0) for all of the projects and have checked to make sure that the project file properties do not have duplicate titles (the text that is shown on the project summary line 0).  Somehow there is a reference/link to my 4th project in the consolidated project that I cannot see. 

I have tried deleting the consolidated file and recreating it as well as breaking all of the links in the resource file, saving and closing the resource file and recreating the links.  No resolution.

Any suggetions?

Answer 1

Hi Mick,

Try an experiment.  Create a new folder and COPY the 5 project files into it.  Now work on those files leaving your originals alone for the time being. Open a new project file and call it Pool (don't put anything into it at all).  Now open the first project and go through the share routine to share the resources with the new pool.  Repeat for the other 4 projects in turn - shouldn't take long - a few minutes each. (You might like to have a look at the pool file and open Resource Sheet to check that all your resources are there)  Now open another new project to become your master.  One at a time, from the master select Inset/Project. Which project does it stop on? Try another new master and enter that project first - try again with a new master entering that project last.  Does the same problem exist?

My tutorial  #18 - half way through - "Master Project" -Insert gives this in more detail

Mike Glen

Project MVP (97-11)

See http://tinyurl.com/2xbhc for my free Project Tutorials

Answer 2

You're welcome, Mick - glad you've got it sorted! :-)

Mike Glen

MS Project (97-11)

See  http://tinyurl.com/2xbhc for my free Project Tutorials

Answer 3

Thanks Mike,

I got the file it stopped on and found an imbedded reference to a second file.  Proble resolved!!!!

You're the MAN!

Mick

Answer 4

Hi Mike,

You have interpreted the process as I executed it.  

The only difference is that I learned some lessons the hard way when I started and copied project plan #1 to #2, edited, and so on.  That left with some mess to clean up.

Mick

Answer 5

Hi Mickeyess,

Welcome to this Microsoft Project forum:)

I'm not clear with the process you used.  You have a resource pool file and one file for each project.  Individual projects have been shared with the resource pool.  Then you have an empty master and used Insert/Project for each project in turn.  If you did it that way, then report back.  If you did not do it that way, then re-try as I have listed, and let us know

FAQs, companion products and other useful Project information can be seen at this web address:  http://project.mvps.org/faqs.htm

Mike Glen

MS Project MVP (97-11)

See http://tinyurl.com/2xbhc for my free Project Tutorials