Time and time again I see people trying to import MS project files into Primavera and getting into a palaver over import errors.The first thing I see is “you should use MPP to MPX converter” – this is an executable that has been around at least 10 years to my knowledge and generally seems to fail to convert files that fail to import from XML – my preferred way of importing projects.

So why do these files fail?

At least 99% of the problems lie in white space – that is to say blank lines.

Unlike Primavera, MS Project allows you to add aesthetic white space to break down sections of WBS etc.  This might be because you use one project file to contain multiple little minor works programmes or similar and just want to break it up a bit.

Whilst an activity name shouldn’t be blank, it can’t be too long – make sure no activity name is more than 255 characters.

Look at your WBS lines – make sure all the fields are filled in.  Blanks here will also cause issue.

All MSP activities must have a calendar assigned

Resource names should not be blank, but less than 20 characters

Turn off project summary bars in the top menu bar and ensure you have no links between summary bars and tasks/activities.

If you’ve ensured the above is true, it should import – either with MPP to MPX converter, or as an XML import.  NB XML export names must be less than 20 characters including extension (.xml)