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Fix Project for the Web Task Dependencies Not Working
Question details
The user is unable to successfully link task dependencies in Project for the Web using the drag-and-drop feature or the task details pane.
- Product
- Project for the Web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to create sequential task links and workflows for a project schedule.
- Observed behavior
- Dragging between tasks creates a line without an arrow that vanishes when deselected. Adding dependencies via task details causes repeated value errors like FSFSFS.
Ensure you have the appropriate editing permissions for the project schedule and refresh your browser to rule out temporary server synchronization issues.
Use the Right-Click Selection Method
Bypass the glitchy drag-and-drop interface by selecting multiple tasks and linking them via the context menu.
This method is highly effective for sequential tasks. It avoids the individual 'Add Dependency' control bugs by forcing the system to link a selected block of tasks simultaneously.
Hold down the Shift or Ctrl key and click on the tasks you wish to link together in your project view.
Right-click anywhere on the highlighted block of tasks to open the options menu.
Select 'Add Dependency' from the dropdown list. The tasks will automatically link in the order they were selected.
Configure Dependencies via Grid View Columns
Use the Grid view to manually enter dependency IDs, bypassing graphical interface errors completely.
Manage Project Timelines Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter bugs or limitations in Microsoft web applications, consider utilizing WPS Office for your project management needs. WPS Spreadsheet offers a robust, free, and highly customizable platform for building Gantt charts and tracking task dependencies without unexpected graphical glitches.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the official website.
- 2. Access project templates: Open WPS Spreadsheet, go to the Homepage, and search for 'Project Management' in the Template Library.
- 3. Track tasks securely: Apply a Gantt chart template to easily input tasks, set dependencies, and track timelines without web glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do task dependencies disappear when dragging in Project for the Web?
This is a known graphical rendering glitch in the web application where the drag-and-drop UI fails to commit the connection to the server. Using the right-click menu or manual column entry bypasses this interface bug.
What does the 'FSFSFS' error mean in the task details pane?
'FS' stands for Finish-to-Start, which is the default task dependency type. The repeated 'FSFSFS' string occurs due to a UI bug where the pane improperly registers a single click as multiple dependency creation attempts.
Can I set Start-to-Start (SS) dependencies in Project for the Web?
Project for the Web handles Finish-to-Start (FS) dependencies natively by default. Depending on recent Microsoft updates, advanced dependency types like Start-to-Start (SS) or Finish-to-Finish (FF) may require manual typed entry (e.g., typing '3SS' in the Depends On column) or moving to the Microsoft Project desktop client.
Will clearing my browser cache fix the drag-and-drop issue?
While clearing cache or using an incognito window can sometimes resolve temporary web script errors, this specific missing-arrow and disappearing-line issue is tied to the platform's code. Using the provided Grid view workaround is the most reliable immediate fix.
