MS Project : Merging three running Plans into a single master plan

I am merging three running Plans into a single master plan. Is there an easy way to merge resources? Presumptions: All Plans were created with Project Professional 2007 without the benefit of a Project Server or Enterprise Resource Pool. Plans have actuals reported. Plans in many cases have resources appearing more than once, ofter with different spellings. The extent of resource over-allocation is difficult if not impossible to determine under current conditions.

Strongly recommend copying resources into a text field 1 or one of the text fields you are not using, then inserting the two smaller files within the largest file uncheck link to the original file. Once both files are inserted into the larger file; data filter on the resource names column, text 1, and work column, and total work column check- names might be spelled differently, etc fix in the large file. Then, Open smaller file and do a comparison on what is in the large file versus the smaller file. Once all data is compared (fixed)- time to work on resource allocation- use the resource view per task change the work on the excel/graphically side to show weeks and walk down the weeks- anything greater than 40 or whatever is a regular work week, is to be worked with the overtime selection.

Project Server isnt needed to get a Resource Pool. You just take a regular MPP file and fill only the resource sheet including holyday and availability information. After that you ensure that the 3 seperate projects "link" to the Pool and youll eliminate the spelling differences. Clintons solution will work fine if you stick to just these 3 projects I guesse but it wont ensure a single location to look for resources when you start a new project... Correct usage of resources is a step up from correct project management, if it wont diliver the expected results consider the professional help of consultants. Every MS Project consultant should know how to give you advise on resourcemanagement using the resource pool functionality.