How to Change Start Date in MS Project

Microsoft Project is a powerful project management tool that allows users to plan, track, and manage projects effectively. One essential aspect of project management is the ability to adjust the start date of a project. Changing the start date can help in accommodating changes in project scope, resource availability, or any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the project timeline. In this article, we will discuss the steps to change the start date in MS Project and answer some common questions related to this topic.

Changing the Start Date in MS Project:

1. Open the MS Project software on your computer.

2. Open the project file you want to modify clicking on “File” in the top menu bar and selecting “Open” from the drop-down menu. Browse and select the project file from your computer.

3. Once the project file is open, locate the project summary task, which is typically the first task listed in the project.

4. Double-click on the project summary task to open the Task Information dialog box.

5. In the Task Information dialog box, navigate to the “General” tab.

6. Locate the “Start date” field and enter the desired start date for your project.

7. Click on the “OK” button to save the changes.

8. MS Project will prompt you to choose whether you want to move all the subsequent tasks in the project or keep the existing task dependencies. Select the option that best suits your project requirements.

9. Once you make the selection, MS Project will adjust the start date of the project accordingly.

Common Questions and Answers:

1. Can I change the start date of an ongoing project?

Yes, you can change the start date of an ongoing project following the above steps. However, keep in mind that changing the start date may impact the project schedule and require adjustments to task deadlines and resource allocations.

2. What happens to the completed tasks if I change the start date?

The completed tasks will not be affected changing the start date. MS Project automatically adjusts the remaining tasks based on the new start date without altering the completed tasks.

3. Can I change the start date of individual tasks within a project?

Yes, you can change the start date of individual tasks selecting the specific task and following the same steps mentioned above.

4. Will changing the start date affect the project duration?

Changing the start date may affect the project duration if there are dependencies between tasks. MS Project will automatically adjust the task durations to maintain task dependencies and project deadlines.

5. Can I change the start date of a project without affecting the task durations?

Yes, MS Project allows you to change the start date of a project without affecting the task durations. When prompted to move subsequent tasks, select the option to keep the existing task dependencies.

6. How can I determine the impact of changing the start date on the project schedule?

MS Project provides a critical path analysis feature that allows you to identify the tasks directly impacted changing the start date. The critical path shows the sequence of tasks that determines the project’s overall duration.

7. Can I change the start date of a project without changing the end date?

In most cases, changing the start date of a project will also affect the end date. However, you can manually adjust the end date after changing the start date to maintain the desired project duration.

8. Does changing the start date impact resource allocations?

Changing the start date may impact resource allocations if the new start date conflicts with the availability of specific resources. MS Project provides resource management features to help you identify and resolve resource conflicts.

9. How often can I change the start date of a project?

You can change the start date of a project as often as needed. However, frequent changes may lead to confusion and disrupt project planning. It is advisable to carefully consider the implications before making any changes.

10. Can I change the start date of a project while it is in progress?

Yes, you can change the start date of a project while it is in progress. However, it is important to communicate the changes to the project team and stakeholders to ensure everyone is aware of the updated timeline.