I've got a series of project files (over 15) all set up to reference one
Project file that holds the "Resource Pool".  Each time I open a project and
make some changes to it and save, it wants to update the Resource Pool.

Well this is fine and dandy and I understand why it wants to update the
Resource Pool project, except I've got 3 project managers making changes to
these files, and the Resource Pool file is being constantly updated...and is
getting corrupted (basically, every so often, I open it up and WinProj
crashes, I have get an older version of the file and start to use it).

So....before I even start in, do you think it will be possible for me to
create a marcro that can be run, say once a day, in the Resource Pool file
to open each associated project, save, and update the resource pool? That
way when a project manager updates a project, he'll say "no" to updating the
resource pool but will know that it will get automatically updated within 24
hours.  And how difficult would it be? Can someone get me started? I've
never used macros before and haven't done any real programming for a
few years....

Even if you just tell me that its possible, or an alternative, that would be
good - so I know I am not wasting my time in trying to figure it out myself.

Thanks in advance,
James Hurst

You can write a macro to do this, but I question its value.  The main
benefit of having a resource pool is that you get instant update of resource
needs across all projects.  If you don't want this, then I suggest getting
rid of the pool and when you want to look at the combined resource needs,
create a consolidated project (of all your 15 projects) but don't have them
Linked (deselect the linked box when selecting insert project).

This gives you a look at the resource needs yet keep your project files
independant.

Record a macro of you creating the consolidation then you can run the macro
to create the consolidation - easy.

One reason resource pools corrupt is if the project file is taken away on a
laptop for updating and then copied over the network version.  The safe way
to do this is to open the resource pool and the project in write mode,
unshare it and save BOTH files.  Once the updated version is copied back,
share again.

--
For Companion Products and Project FAQ visit the MVP site
www.mvps.org/project/

Rod Gill
Microsoft Project MVP
Automated reporting across multiple project files,
Time sheets that seamlessly update Project files,
Free Best Practices for Project,
Project VBA Macros written for fixed prices.
Visit www.projectlearning.com for more info.