Open PowerPoint 95 files in PowerPoint 2007

B

Bob

I have a relatively large number of older (Circa 1994- 1996) power
point files which I believe are PowerPoint 95 (Office 95) files. Can
anyone suggest a reliable means of updating or converting the files or
otherwise getting Office 2007 to open them?

Here is what I've done so far:

1. When I try to open them in Office 2007, I get a message that
"PowerPoint can't open the type of file represented by "c:\....
dbapfl7a.ppt".

2. After spending all day reading various knowledge base articles and
other information, I suspect this is a result of the improved security
offered by Office 2003 and 2007, which precludes converters from
running without some draconian editing of the registry and/or other
changes.

3. I had a similar problem with older word documents, but was able to
resolve it through revision of security settings (adding some trusted
locations) so that I can open all of the older word files.

4. However, I have been unsuccessful attempting this with the
PowerPoint files. And the MS KB articles/technet information appears
to indicate that the converters will not run unless I provide
appropriate security policies, which seem to require that I use SMS
and be on a domain. That's a lot for a few computers on a workgroup.

Questions:

A. Can I reinstall Office 95 (power point only) on one of my machines
to read these? I am running Windows XP Pro on a Sony Laptop with fair
speed and enough hard drive space. Will it even run on that? What
then? How about Office 97 or 2000? If I do so, how to I avoid
problems with Office 2007? (file associations, etc.)

B. Are there any converters out there that work? I could have paid a
lot for one with the time I've wasted on this today.

C. Other suggestions????

Thanks,
Bob
 
J

John Wilson

As far as I know Bob there's no way to directly open 95 files in 2007. You
can patch the registry in 2003 SP3 to enable this but not 2007. Can you get
someone to open in 2002/3 and resave?

If you are desperate we could do this for you at minimal cost but it's
probably easier to find a local friend!
email john AT technologytrish.co.uk

Amazing PPT Hints, Tips and Tutorials

http://www.PPTAlchemy.co.uk
http://www.technologytrish.co.uk
 
B

Bob

Thanks John. I wish there was a different answer; how foolish of me
to expect MS to preserve the ability to edit old stuff. Very
aggravating - until January I had 3 machines with me running Office
2003. Sigh...

I will just wait until I get back to the office, where I have several
machines still running 2003 SP3, and use one to do what you suggest. I
expect I have a few older machines still running Office 95 there too.
I have been on an extended road trip, but hope to return shortly.

Thanks again,
Bob
 

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