PRJ: Scheduling a Project Based on a Task Start Date

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To schedule a project around a task in the middle of the project, follow the appropriate procedure below.

Microsoft Project 98/2000

1. On the Project menu, click Project Information.
2. In the Schedule From list, select Project Start Date, and then click OK.
   
   The project start date will default to the current date.
3. Enter all task descriptions and durations, and establish appropriate relationships between the tasks. Do not assign any resources at this time.
4. Select the task that has the known start date.
5. On the Project menu, click Task Information, and then click the Advanced tab.
6. Under Constrain Task, in the Task list, select Must Start On. In the Date box, type a date or click the arrow to select a date on the calendar. Click OK.
   
   At this point, Microsoft Project calculates the project's finish date. If the date you entered was earlier than the date originally calculated, you will receive a warning stating "Late date before scheduled date...." Click OK.
7. On the Project menu, click Project Information.
8. In the Schedule From list, click Select Project Finish Date, and then click OK.
   
   This step will calculate the new project start date.
9. On the Project menu, click Project Information.
10. In the Schedule From list, click Project Start Date, and then click OK.

The start and finish dates for your project will be based on the start date you specify for a particular task. If Microsoft Project has to recalculate the schedule in the future, change the constraint for that task from Must Start On to Start No Earlier Than, and use the same date.

Once this has been done, resources can be assigned and the schedule can be altered as needed

Microsoft Project Version 4.x

1. On the File menu, click Summary Info.
2. In the Schedule From list, click Project Start Date, and then click OK.
   
   The project start date will default to the current date.
3. Enter all task descriptions and durations, and establish appropriate relationships between the tasks. Do not assign any resources at this time.
4. Select the task that has the known start date.
5. On the Insert menu, click Task Information, and then click the Advanced tab.
6. Under Constrain Task, in the Type list, click Must Start On. In the Date box, type a date or click the arrow to select a date on the calendar. Click OK.
   
   At this point, Microsoft Project calculates the project's finish date. If the date you entered was earlier than the date originally calculated, you will receive a warning stating "Late date before scheduled date...." Click OK.
7. On the File menu, click Summary Info.
8. In the Schedule From list, click Project Finish Date, and then click OK.
   
   This step will calculate the new project start date.
9. On the File menu, click Summary Info.
10. In the Schedule From list, click Project Start Date, and then click OK.

The start and finish dates for your project will be based on the start date you specify for a particular task. If Microsoft Project has to recalculate the schedule in the future, change the constraint for that task from Must Start On to Start No Earlier Than, and use the same date.

Once this has been done, resources can be assigned and the schedule can be altered as needed.

Microsoft Project Versions 3.0a and Earlier

1. On the Options menu, click Project Info.
2. Select Start under Schedule Project From, and then click OK. The project start date will default to the current date.
3. Enter all task descriptions and durations, and establish appropriate relationships between the tasks. Do not assign any resources at this time.
4. Select the task that has the known start date.
5. On the Edit menu, click Task Form.
6. In the Task Form, change the constraint to Must Start On and enter the date in the Date field. Click OK.
   
   At this point, Microsoft Project calculates your new project finish date.
   
   NOTE: If the date you entered was earlier than the date originally calculated, you will receive a warning stating "Late date before scheduled date...." Click OK.
7. On the Options menu, click Project Info.
8. Select Finish under Schedule Project From, and then click OK.
   
   This step will calculate your new project start date.
9. From the Options menu, choose Project Info again.
10. Select Start under Schedule Project From, and then choose OK.