PRJ98: Circular Reference Error When Dragging Task (183459)

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Project 98, when you move a task or summary task by dragging and dropping in a task sheet view, you may receive the following error:

No Calculations can be performed at this time.

There is a circular relationship in task <n> <Task Name> of "<Project Name>." The successors of this task refer back to this task or its predecessors, causing a circular reference.

To remove the link that is causing the circular reference, select the two tasks that are causing the circular link, and then click Unlink Tasks on the Standard toolbar.

Moving the task or summary task establishes a circular reference.

In addition, the task appears below where you attempted to move it.

-and-

After moving the summary task, the outline structure of the project may be incorrect.

WORKAROUND

Preventing the Error Message

To prevent this error message from occurring, insert a blank row between the two summary tasks that you want to move the task or summary task between. Then, drag the task or summary task next to the blank row. After moving the task or summary task, you can remove the blank row.

Responding to the Error Message

To work around the changes made when the error occurs, if you have not performed any actions since the error occurred, click Undo on the Edit menu.

If you have performed any actions since the error message occurred and cannot undo moving the task or summary task, use the method appropriate for your situation.

If You Moved a Summary Task:

Select the moved summary task and the summary task below it, including all its subtasks.
On the Project menu, point to Outline, and then click Outdent.
Move and re-indent the appropriate tasks to re-create the original structure.

If You Moved a Task:

Select the moved task and the summary task above it.
On the Project menu, point to Outline, and then click Outdent. Click OK if the Planning Wizard is displayed.
On the Project menu, point to Outline, and then click Hide Subtasks.
On the Project menu, point to Outline, and then click Show Subtasks.
Outdent any tasks that are incorrectly indented.
Move and re-indent the appropriate tasks to re-create the original structure.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the versions of Microsoft Project listed above.

This problem was corrected in Microsoft Project 98 for Windows, Service Release 1 (SR-1).

For additional information about obtaining and installing SR-1, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

185102 PRJ98: How to Obtain and Install MS Project 98 SR-1