Can't Save Resource Pool: Error Message - Cannot Open the File

Question

I am working with MS Project 2013 and I have a resource pool linking sub-projects. Although I can open and work in the file, I cannot save any changes to the file. I get the following error message:

Project cannot open the file

• Check that the file name and format is correct
• Check that the file format is recognized by project

I installed Service Pack 1 but it did not help.

Because there are several sub-projects and limited resources, I need to use the resource pool to level the workload. Please let me know any ideas on how I can save information in the file.

Answer 1

Clarkedi --

From your description, it sounds like the resource pool file has gotten corrupted, which they are prone to do by the way.  I would recommend you try the following:

1. Open the shared resource pool file Read/Write.
2. Open each of the sharer projects.
3. Disconnect each sharer project from the shared resource pool file.
4. Save and close each sharer file.
5. Close and do not save the shared resource pool file.
6. Delete the shared resource pool file.
7. Create a new blank project and give it the name of the deleted shared resource pool file.
8. Open each of the sharer projects and connect them to the new shared resource pool file.
9. Save each of the sharer projects and the shared resource pool file as well.

Using the preceding process will actually create you a new shared resource pool file containing the names of all of the resources in all of the sharer projects.  Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I'm afraid you'll end up just creating the same problem.  Even if you were able to avoid any potential corruption, you'd still have to disconnect from the old pool and connect to the new pool.  You don't really save that much.

Step 8 in Dale's directions above creates the resources in the pool - you don't need to type them manually.

Answer 3

Hi Dale! 

I'm facing the same problem and I was wondering whether I could save some time by creating a new Resource Pool using the 'New from esisting project' option I have under New.

Will this 'transfer' any corrupted info form the existing Resource Pool?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Regards / Efthimios

Answer 4

Clarkedi --

You are more than welcome for the help, my friend.  Since my post solved your problem, would you please mark it as the solution to your problem?  Thanks!

Answer 5

Thank you! This was very helpful and resolved the problem!