How to Import Text documents into Project Version 2511

Question

How to Import Text documents into Project Version 2511

BALA MOODLEY 0

Good Day,

I am using Microsoft Project Online Desktop Client Version 2511.

Before the September update, I could successfully import a legacy‑formatted text extract from SAP (PM Orders) into Project using a VBA macro that calls the FileOpen command with a previously saved import map.

Since the upgrade, Project no longer loads the file — the import runs, but no tasks appear. The file format itself hasn’t changed, and the macro is unchanged.

Question: What could have changed in Project v2511 that prevents legacy text files (with saved maps) from importing tasks, and how can I troubleshoot or resolve this?

I have tried teh following:

· Confirmed file is plain text (.txt) and tab‑delimited (not spaces or commas).

· Verified file contains at east one column with Task Name values.

· Tested manual import via File → Open → Text Files → Import Wizard:

          o   Selected New Map → Tasks → Delimited → Tab.

           o   Mapped Task Name → Name.

· Checked Project Options → Schedule to ensure New tasks created → Auto Scheduled.

· Ran VBA macro with FileOpen using the previously saved map.

· Verified ActiveProject.Tasks.Count after import (result = 0).

· Previewed first 5 rows in Immediate Window to confirm data is present and correctly split into columns.

· Confirmed no filters or collapsed summary tasks are hiding imported tasks.

· Checked date and duration formats (SAP export uses dd/mm/yyyy, durations like 2d, 4h).

BALA MOODLEY 0 Reputation points

2026-01-16T11:10:02.1733333+00:00

Other tests that I have run, to no avail:

Exported an existing Project to text and created a map to re‑import the file.

Created a tab‑delimited text file with three columns (Task Name, Start Date, and Duration), built a map to import these fields, and attempted the import.

Created a text file with a single column (Task Name) containing three task records, and tried importing this into Project.

5 answers

Your answer

BALA MOODLEY 0 Reputation points

2026-01-16T11:10:02.1733333+00:00

Other tests that I have run, to no avail:

Exported an existing Project to text and created a map to re‑import the file.

Created a tab‑delimited text file with three columns (Task Name, Start Date, and Duration), built a map to import these fields, and attempted the import.

Created a text file with a single column (Task Name) containing three task records, and tried importing this into Project.

Answer 1

In Microsoft Project Online Desktop Client Version 2511, there may have been changes or updates that could affect the import of legacy text files. Here are some potential areas to investigate and troubleshoot:

Import Map Changes: Ensure that the saved import map is still compatible with the current version. Sometimes, updates can alter how mappings are interpreted, so it may be necessary to recreate the import map.
File Format Verification: Although you confirmed that the file is plain text and tab-delimited, double-check that there are no hidden characters or formatting issues that could interfere with the import process.
Task Name Column: Verify that the column with Task Name values is correctly identified in the import map. If the mapping is incorrect, tasks may not appear after import.
Project Options: Since you checked the Project Options for task scheduling, also ensure that other relevant settings have not changed. This includes ensuring that the project is set to allow task imports.
VBA Macro Compatibility: Review the VBA macro to ensure that it is still functioning as intended. Sometimes, updates can affect the execution of macros, so consider debugging the macro step-by-step to identify any issues.
Data Formats: Confirm that the date and duration formats are compatible with Microsoft Project's expected formats. If the formats are not recognized, it could prevent tasks from being imported.
Testing with Different Data: As a troubleshooting step, try importing a simpler text file with fewer tasks or different data to see if the issue persists. This can help isolate whether the problem lies with the specific file or the import process itself.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance, as there may be specific bugs or limitations introduced in the latest version that are not documented yet.

Answer 2

Nam-D 3,980 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello @BALA MOODLEY,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A Forum.

Thank you for sharing the details of your concern. Based on the information you provided, it appears that you are experiencing an issue where the Project desktop app is no longer able to import legacy‑formatted text extracted from SAP (PM Orders) using a VBA macro, beginning around September 2025.

To further isolate the cause, could you please check whether the issue still occurs after reverting your Office apps to an earlier version? You may follow the steps in the official Microsoft article “How to revert to an earlier version of Office - Microsoft Support”

For testing purposes, I kindly recommend reverting to one of the following earlier versions:

User's image

Please feel free to let me know if you have any additional concerns or if the issue persists after testing. I’ll be glad to continue assisting you.

Nam-D 3,980 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-19T06:24:36.7633333+00:00

Hello @BALA MOODLEY,

Just checking in to see if the above information was helpful. If you have any further updates on this issue, please feel free to post back. Warm thanks.

Answer 3

BALA MOODLEY 0

Hello @Nam-D,

We downgraded the Projects version to 2506 and successfully imported the SAP PM Orders tab‑delimited file into Microsoft Project. Kindly see the screenshot below for Projects version.

User's image

I also noticed that Project version 2511 experiences mapping issues. Even when the file is exprted from Project as a tab‑delimited file—where the map is created during the export process and then reused during the import—Project reports an “Out of context” error.

Could you please advise on the next steps?

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Answer 5

BALA MOODLEY 0

Good day,

Have you had a chance to review the details I posted previously?

Kind regards

[Moderator note: personal info removed]

Nam-D 3,980 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-22T13:08:20.4266667+00:00

Hello @BALA MOODLEY,

Thank you so much for your prompt response.

We have reviewed this matter internally; however, as Microsoft moderators, we have limited access to certain internal resources from the back‑end. Because of this, we currently do not have detailed information about why this feature has disappeared. It is possible that the change may be related to an update in the Office application, but we cannot confirm this from our side.

Given these limitations, we recommend reaching out directly to the Microsoft Technical Support team. They have the necessary diagnostic tools to analyze and identify the root cause. If needed, they can also escalate the case to the product team for further investigation and an official explanation.
BALA MOODLEY 0 Reputation points

2026-01-22T13:16:19.7966667+00:00

Thank you