is Project Server more reliable/stable than Project Desktop ?

[Dan Schaeffer]

I’m frequently beset by problems with my .mpp files on our Sharepoint server getting corrupted. Does this still happen when using Project Server? Does it happen less often? It’s really hard to convince management to consider using MS Project when it’s this flaky.

[Dale Howard]

When you save a project in Project Server, the project data is stored in a SQL Server database, rather than in an MPP file. As such, I think you would find it more stable than the MPP files with which you have struggled. However, keep in mind that someone would need to configure your Project Server instance to align with your organization’s project management processes and needs. Also keep in mind that you will still need to use the Microsoft Project desktop application with Project Server (you will need the Professional version of Microsoft Project, by the way). Hope this helps.

[Bruce A Hayes III | PMP, PSM I, PMI-ACP, CSM]

Unfortunately, the desktop files can become corrupted. Fortunately, it only seems to happen at a critical point in time?

When it has occurred, copy the entire “corrupted” (just select all) project and paste it into a new “blank” project. You’ll have to go in and set-up the fundamentals (e.g. project start date, calendar) but you don’t have to start from scratch.

When I’m on a lengthy (many file saves), or a complicated (numerous tasks) project; I save a new file after each day’s update. I put the date into the file name (230809 for 8/9/23 keeps the name sorted chronologically) and just make a new copy. The new file name creates a new file and seems to keep the gremlins at bay.

You can keep them as an archive or delete the files as they become a few days old. This is probably overkill. Saving a new file once a week may be sufficient. I just like to have a one less thing to remember to do on Friday. I do like to create a new file and store each Baseline.

[Dan Schaeffer]

Thanks Dale & Bruce!

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