Understanding Project tasks and dates

**Javan** · 04-09-2008

I am new to MS Project. Currently using 2000.

Question:
I create a task, give a start and end date. Then I create a 2nd task, that is reliant on the 1st task (lets say finish to start). However, if I try and change the end date of the 1st task, it will not let me. It will only push the start date back. How can I make it such that changing the start date, will push the end date out, and push out the 2nd task?

What I want to do, is set a task to start one day, have it last 2 days, then a 2nd task starts and lasts 3 days. But the 2nd task can not start until the 1st task is complete. AND if I change the start date of the 1st task, then the start date of the 2nd task (and end date) will also change.

I am sure that there is a very simple way to do this....

**Zachary** · 05-09-2008

How to Create a Task:

Create a task when you identify a unit of work that you want to track to completion as part of your project.

Tip: You can also create tasks by synchronizing task data with Microsoft Project.

1. Click Tasks in the project navigation bar.
2. On the Task Summary page, go to the task folder in which you want to create the task.
3. Click Create.
4. On the Create Task page, provide a name and description for the task.
5. Assign the task a priority between 1 (highest) and 5 (lowest).
6. Assign the task to an individual. Click the people icon to list the project members to whom you can assign the task.
7. Assign the task a status.

Not Started
OK
Warning
Alert
Complete

8. Give the task a start and end date. Click the calendar icon to select dates.
9. In the Estimated Hours field, write the time you think is needed to complete the task.
10. Specify whether the time estimate is based on a five-day or seven-day calendar.

Note: Choose a seven-day calendar to assign a start or end date that falls on on a weekend.

11. Save your work.