Update Links Macro (Project 2000/SR1)

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I have a project with over 100 hammock tasks (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/141733%5B/url%5D, post 369,941). The problem is they tend to update slowly, and I have made snapshots to export to PowerPoint before all the updates have occured. I can update the links fairly quickly by using Edit, Links..., selecting them all, then clicking the update button, but I’d like to create a button to run a macro to accomplish this in one step. I tried recording the actions with the macro recorder, but it didn’t record anything. I’ve also used DDELinksUpdate, but I don’t think I’m using it in the right context, because it doesn’t seem to do anything. The help system doesn’t.

I’d appreciate any insight.

Thanks in advance.

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Tim,

I will take a look at this tomorrow but try the following as hammock tasks do not update as would be expected when calculating the project as it is an OLE update. From the Edit menu, click Links to edit/update OLE links (Paste Links). Alternatively, press the F9 function key twice.

Post back if this does not work and I will see about coding the macro.

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Thanks for looking into this, Gary.

I am aware of the update links dialog, and I have been using that. F9 forces a calculation, but doesn’t force the links to update (I tried it this morning).

Like I said, I’m using the update links dialog, but it takes several steps: Edit, Links, select all the links in the project (Ctrl+A does not select all!), then click Update Now. I guess I’m just being lazy, but it would be nice to just click one button to run a macro to perform all these steps automatically; I just can’t figure out how to do it.

Again, thanks for digging into this annoyance.

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If Gary doesn’t crack this one for you, you could look into AutoIt, or one of the Alternatives to create your own macro(s).

Caution: Once you start down this road it can become addictive

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Tim,

I hate to admit this but you have me stumped. Unfortunately, I have not used Project 2000 or had access to it in a while. My understanding of the problem is the DDELinksUpdate you are using would update all of the standard links set in a project. However, the paste link is an OLE link and falls under a different Application object and I am not sure how you could get it to update. Sorry, but I don’t see any other way to update the Hammock tasks other then the way you are doing it. Searching on updating OLE objects (i.e, inserted objects) may provide some insight.

Again – Sorry I could not help.

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I never thought I’d see the day, Gary, and I’ve been a member since 2001! I appreciate you looking into this. It didn’t occur to me the links would actually by OLE, though I’m not sure that will help me find the answer in Microsoft’s lovely “help” system .

As for installing add-ins to record keystrokes, Timo, I’m afraid I work on a machine so tightly locked down I can’t even display my own desktop wallpaper. There’s no way I can install and add-on.

Thanks again for providing hints on this vexing annoyance!

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>I can’t even display my own desktop wallpaper

My sympathies – I’d be very tempted to find somewhere more rational to earn my daily bread. That easily beats any misguided and paranoid sys admins I’ve ever had the “pleasure” to cope with.

I much prefer the model where only data is locked down, everything else up for grabs, and swift and drastic action (the boot) for misdemeanours. And it tends to be far more productive too!

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Tim,

I currently have access to Project 2003 and 2007. I think I may have a version of 2000 running somewhere. I was able to find some old Project 2000 reference books but they dont even review Hammock tasks. I will admit I am a bit rusty as I have not done any scheduling for a few years. However, if you can post a simple stripped down version or make a very small project with at least two hammock tasks in it (using 2000) I will see if I can figure out a way to get the code to update the tasks. (Of course, this assumes I can find a working version of 2000 as well). (I hate being stumped!)

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Here’s a quick example, Gary. I know it’s really a schedule, and not a project, per se, but it illustrates well what I’m doing with several items.

Thanks for pursuing this.

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Tim,

My apologies for taking so long to get back to you. I did review your file, however, I was unable to find your version of Project or figure out how to do what you want in other versions. I wont say it cant be done but I am unable to figure it out.

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I’ve been on vacation, Gary, and haven’t had a chance to reply. Thanks for your attempt. I’ll keep looking and see if I can scare anything up. If I find something to solve this, I’ll post it for anyone else interested. Again, thanks for working so hard on this.

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