I have a project where I want to schedule backwards for the predecessors of a certain mid-point task, and forwards for those after it. Here's a detailed description of the problem.

I am trying to schedule a project in reverse order from the end date of a middle task.
The tasks in the project, in order, are Estimate, Design, AFE, Construction, Records Updated, and Close.

The only date that is rigid is the end date of Construction, which is the date the customer needs delivery. Other than that, I just want to schedule things in the most efficient timing possible. So, I want to set a fixed end date for Construction, then make the first three schedule backwards from there so I can figure out when each should start. So, if customer requires item by January 10th, and Construction will take 5 days, it should start on the 5th. Then, if AFE takes three days, it should start on the 2nd, and so on. After the Construction end date, the remaining tasks should schedule forward.

When all this is done, if I enter a longer task length for Design, I should see the start date of the project move back, whereas if I enter a longer length for Records Updated, I should see the end date of the project move forward.

Right now when I try to do something like this, I get a scheduling conflict, with two tasks happening simultaneously, and flow arrows looping back in time.

I’m using Project 2000.

Thanks.