ms-projectms-project-server-2016

Microsoft Project unable to establish a connection with Project Server 2016


I just built a Project Server 2016 and have connection troubles. Since this is a proof of concept, I did not use TLS. The URL is just http://xxxxxxxxxxxxx/sites/PWA I'm using the Project Permissions Mode.

I am testing with an unactivated copy of Project Professional 2013

MS Project version number

I set the version in PWA Settings Version Setting

My client computer is not in the same domain as my Project Server. I choose the domain\user name when starting MS Project: Login dialog

Project does not prompt for a password. It immediately gives an error: Error message unable to establish connection

So next time, I choose work offline. Project opens and I check the Info page: Info: not connected

I click Connect to Server and it does. Still no password prompt.
Info: connected

However, I cannot open a project from the Project Server.

Unable to display projects

Meanwhile, I have no problems on PWA making, editing, saving, publishing, checking in, etc. I made a new project and set the permissions correctly. Group permissions

When I try to open it in Project by clicking the icon on the web page,

web page icon

I get the same error.

Same error message

What am I missing?


Solution

  • I hate it when I discover my own dumb mistake an hour after posting a question. Apparently, you must only use alphanumeric characters when you Add a Project Web Account in MS Project.

    1. In the Info -> Manage Accounts -> Project Web Accounts dialog box, I deleted my Project Web accounts except "Computer"
    2. I closed and restarted MS Project Professional
    3. In the Info -> Manage Accounts -> Project Web Accounts dialog box, I added a new account but I only used letters in the Name field
    4. I closed and restarted MS Project Professional
    5. Logged into the new Project Web Account

    Everything works now.

    Apologies for wasting your time. Thanks for looking.