Can't open Mac PPT files on PC

[Lisa]

PCs can't seem to open files that I have created on my Mac (using
Powerpoint X). I'm running OSX. My clients all complain that they can never
open the powerpoint files that i send them. This has happened on many
PCs using all different kinds of operating systems and versions of
powerpoint.

Can anyone help?

 

[Lisa]

Oh yeah, the error message on the PC says: PowerPoint can't open the type
of file represented by <filename>.

And the files generally contain diagrams drawn in powerpoint (shapes etc).

 

[TAJ Simmons]

Lisa,

Most obvious question is.....have you added the little 3 letter extension on the end of the filename.

e.g.
MyPres.ppt

PC's like those 3 little letters

See also
PC to Mac and Back
http://www.rdpslides.com/pptfaq/FAQ00281.htm

Cheers
TAJ Simmons
microsoft powerpoint mvp

awesome - powerpoint backgrounds,
free powerpoint templates, tutorials, hints and tips etc
http://www.powerpointbackgrounds.com


Oh yeah, the error message on the PC says: PowerPoint can't open the type
of file represented by <filename>.

And the files generally contain diagrams drawn in powerpoint (shapes etc).

 

[David M. Marcovitz]

Another question. Do the PC users have PowerPoint 2003, and, if so, have
they installed Service Pack 1? PowerPoint 2003 without the update is
notorious for not opening perfectly good PowerPoint files.
--David

--
David M. Marcovitz, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Programs in Educational Technology
Loyola College in Maryland
Author of _Powerful PowerPoint for Educators_
http://www.loyola.edu/education/PowerfulPowerPoint/

 

[Lisa]

Hi all,

Thanks for the advice. Yes, the file extension was there, and I'm not sure
about the versions of Powerpoint that my clients use. I've just tried opening
it through Open File on my old PC (using PowerPoint 2000 SR-1) and it gives
me the same message. It's a fair bet that many of my clients are using
relatively up to date software.

I guess my problem is that I can't ask them to make sure they use
PowerPoint 2003 and install Service Pack 1, as they are my clients and it
would be a real pain for them! Is there anything I can install on my Mac to
help with this problem? I only converted from PC to Mac 6 months ago and I
love everything about them except for this problem!

Thanks,

Lisa

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

The fact that you're not using 2003 eliminates one of the more likely reasons
for the problem. Good.

So how are you sending them the files? If by email, there are a number of ways
the file could become corrupted. Try sending the PPTs safely tucked away
inside a ZIP file. If they can extract the PPTs from within the ZIP at the
other end, we've eliminated email corruption problems. If they can't extract
the files, it likely means that there's a problem with the way you're
transmitting and/or they're receiving them.


--
Steve Rindsberg, PPT MVP
PPT FAQ: www.pptfaq.com
PPTools: www.pptools.com
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