MS Project dependency lines bug

Question

I have dependency lines in the Gantt Chart showing from the end of all the tasks going all the way back to a MSP default date of 1984. I cannot get rid of them.

Answer 1

RF12321,

Since it only appears on the Gantt Chart view, it sounds like that view is corrupt. Unless you have a lot of custom views, you could try re-setting your Global. To do that, close Project, find your working Global file, move it to the trash, and then re-start Project.

If you do have lots of custom views, tables, filters, etc., you could try deleting the Gantt Chart view in the Organizer (right side). That will give you the default Gantt Chart for that file.

John

Answer 2

I've been using MSP for 12 years now and have never seen this before. Please keep suggestions as complex and advanced as you want :)

Start date: 1/6/17

Auto scheduled: yes

The lines go all the way back to 1984, as stated in OP. They have no origin, just come out of the end of the task as a successor dependency and do not terminate on any task.

I have been looking at the bar styles (right click Gantt / Bar Styles) but cannot see how any amendment to the bar styles would actually have an impact on the inbuilt MSP dependency lines, which cannot be edited by users.

It has happened with other plans, but only rarely.

Only happening on Gantt Chart view.

Thanks again!

Answer 3

Rf12321,

What is the Project Start Date (Project > Properties group > Project Information)?

Are tasks auto-scheduled or manually scheduled?

In the screen shot I see the dependency lines going to the left but where do they originate? The screen shot only goes back to 2003. What does it show if you scroll back to wherever the dependency lines start?

Does this happen with any file you open/create or just this one file?

The screen shot appears to show the Gantt Chart view. Do you get the same rogue dependency lines if you switch to the Detail Gantt or Tracking Gantt view?

John

Answer 4

MSP2013. All updates applied. It is an error or bug or problem with the view. There are no tasks back to 1984. The planned work starts Jun2017. The rogue dependency lines come off every task.

Answer 5

RF12321,

First of all what version of Project are you using? And more importantly, is it updated with the latest cumulative update? If not, run Windows Update. Note, if you are using Project Online or a subscription version of Project (i.e. Project 365), it is updated automatically.

You say the dependency lines go back to 1984. Is there a rogue task or milestone in 1984 (i.e where do the dependency lines originate)?

John