cannot open ppt or pptx on any PC

[TedB]

Version: 2008 Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) I recently updated to 2008 on the mac. All prior ppt files open on the mac but not on any pc. I have saved the files in ppt or pptx. will not open on any PC, running xp or 7, all using 2007 and updated. An error message stating unreadable content or not a readable file.

 

[Jim Gordon Mac MVP]

Version: 2008 Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) I recently
updated to 2008 on the mac. All prior ppt files open on the mac but not
on any pc. I have saved the files in ppt or pptx. will not open on any
PC, running xp or 7, all using 2007 and updated. An error message
stating unreadable content or not a readable file.

This sounds very much like a problem caused by the method of
transmission. File formats for Mac and PC PowerPoint are identical.

Try compressing/zipping the files before transmitting them to your PC
friends. You can do this in Finder by control-clicking on the file and
choosing compress or archive from the pop-up menu.

You don't mention what method you are using to get these presentations
to your PC friends, but my guess is email. Many email systems are
misconfigured and corrupt the files going through them. Poorly written
anti-virus software can also damage files.

-Jim

 

[TedB]

Thanks Jim

It turned out to be the USB flash I was using. Although the mac could open the files, ppt or pptx, pcs would not. I used a different drive and the same files opened on the PCs. I reformatted the first USB flash, reloaded and all works fine.

 

[CyberTaz]

Just a word of friendly advice Do not Open files from a flash drive or
attempt to Save directly to them. Copy the files to/from your HD & just use
the USB stick for transporting/storing the files.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[TedB]

Thanks Bob

You are right. Although we sometimes know the answer we forget to remind ourselves when we are in the thick of it. As a long time investor in USB controller manufactures, I am aware of the error rate intrinsic to USB drives.

Tedb

 

[Jim Gordon Mac MVP]

Thanks Bob

You are right. Although we sometimes know the answer we forget to remind
ourselves when we are in the thick of it. As a long time investor in USB
controller manufactures, I am aware of the error rate intrinsic to USB
drives.

Tedb

And I learned something, too. I didn't realize USB drives were also a
potential source of problems. These forums are good for everyone!

-Jim