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Fix Constraint and Incorrect Duration Bugs in MS Project for the Web
Question details
The user is experiencing automatic constraint creation and incorrect task durations when entering start or finish dates in Project for the Web.
- Product
- Microsoft Project for the Web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Entering or modifying task start and finish dates in a project timeline.
- Observed behavior
- Tasks automatically receive constraints when dates are entered. Removing these constraints snaps the task back to the project start date, and re-entering them causes incorrect durations.
Before adjusting task dates, verify if your tasks have existing dependencies (such as predecessors or successors) that might conflict with manual date entries.
Understand and Manage Task Constraints
Manually entering dates overrides automatic scheduling, so adjusting your workflow is necessary to prevent unexpected duration calculations.
In Microsoft Project, entering a start or finish date directly changes a task's constraint type automatically (e.g., setting it to 'Start No Earlier Than'). If a task lacks dependencies, removing this constraint forces the scheduling engine to default the task back to the project's start date. This behavior is shared across MS Project versions and is not inherently a bug, but rather a scheduling rule.
Select the task that is displaying an incorrect duration and open the task details pane to review current dependencies and constraint settings.
Instead of manually typing start and finish dates, set dependencies (like Finish-to-Start) so Project calculates the dates automatically based on duration.
If you must use specific dates, ensure you manually set the constraint type to 'As Soon As Possible' after removing forced constraints, and link the task to a predecessor.
Use the Full Task Screen for New Tasks
Avoid the Quick Add Task feature when start and finish dates are critical to task setup.
Manage Projects Seamlessly with WPS Office
Tired of confusing constraint bugs and scheduling conflicts in Microsoft Project? WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. Use WPS Spreadsheet to create flexible Gantt charts and track project timelines without rigid, automatic constraints. Enjoy seamless compatibility with Microsoft Excel formats and an intuitive, familiar interface that makes migration effortless.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download and install the free suite.
- 2. Access Project Templates: Open WPS Spreadsheet and search for 'Project Management' or 'Gantt Chart' in the rich template library.
- 3. Track without constraints: Enter your task dates and durations manually into the template without worrying about forced automatic scheduling conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my task move to the project start date when I remove a constraint?
If a task has no dependencies (predecessors), removing its manual date constraint causes the scheduling engine to default its start time to the earliest possible date, which is the project start date.
How can I stop Project for the Web from automatically creating constraints?
Constraints are automatically created when you manually type a start or finish date into a task. To prevent this, use auto-scheduling and link tasks using predecessors/successors instead of hardcoding dates.
Why is my task duration calculating incorrectly after I enter dates?
Incorrect durations often occur when a task has conflicting constraints and finish dates entered via the Quick Add feature. Review the task details screen to ensure the start date, finish date, and dependencies are logically aligned.
