How to Deactivate and Reactivate a Plugin in Microsoft Dynamics 365: Resolving the “ProjectOperations_Anchor PackageImportFailed” Error

If you are working with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and encounter the error “ProjectOperations_Anchor PackageImportFailed Import Failed status encountered” while trying to install or update Project Operations, you are not alone. This error can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to resolve it. One potential solution involves deactivating a specific plugin that might be causing the issue.

Understanding the Error

The error message “ProjectOperations_Anchor PackageImportFailed Import Failed status encountered” typically indicates that there is a problem with the import process of the Project Operations package. This can be due to various reasons, including conflicts with existing plugins or customizations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deactivate and Reactivate a Plugin Step

One common solution to this issue is to deactivate the plugin step Microsoft.Dynamics.ProjectService.Plugins.PreValidateProjectTaskUpdate. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Access Advanced Settings:
   • First, log in to your Dynamics 365 environment. The url is of this format [TenantName].crm[1-9].dynamics.com
   • Click on the gear icon in the top right corner and select Advanced Settings.
2. Customize the System:
   • In the Advanced Settings area, navigate to Settings > Customizations > Customize the System.
3. Locate SDK Message Processing Steps:
   • In the customization window, you will see various components listed. Look for SDK Message Processing Steps.
     
     
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4. Find the Specific Plugin Step:
   • Within the SDK Message Processing Steps, search for the plugin step named Microsoft.Dynamics.ProjectService.Plugins.PreValidateProjectTaskUpdate
5. Deactivate the Plugin Step:
   • Select the plugin step and click on the Deactivate button in the toolbar. This will deactivate the plugin step, allowing you to proceed with your task updates without interference.
6. Add or Delete Tasks:
   • Now, you can add tasks to a project or delete them as needed in the table msdyn_projecttask. Ensure that the Project ID you are associating with the tasks exists in the msdyn_project table to avoid any errors.
7. Reactivate the Plugin Step:
   • Once you have made the necessary changes, go back to the SDK Message Processing Steps.
   • Select the previously deactivated plugin step and click on the Activate button to reactivate it.

And voilà! You should now be able to manage your project tasks without encountering the import error.

Why Deactivate a Plugin Step?

Deactivating a plugin step can be necessary for various reasons:

• Troubleshooting: If a plugin is causing errors or conflicts, deactivating it can help identify the issue.
• Development and Testing: During development or testing phases, you might need to temporarily disable certain plugins.
• Performance: In some cases, deactivating unnecessary plugins can improve system performance.

Conclusion

Deactivating and reactivating a plugin step in Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a straightforward process that can help resolve issues and streamline your workflow. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily manage and troubleshoot your Dynamics 365 environment.

Feel free to share this guide with your colleagues or include it in your blog to help others who might be facing similar challenges. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out!