Powerpoint Viewer 2003 and linked avi files

[JudyC]

I recently upgraded from Powerpoint 2002 to Powerpoint 2003.

I use PowerPoint to produce presentations for training classes that I teach.
I make heavy use of .avi files for demonstrations. Included in the tuition
for the class is a CD containing the Powerpoint 2003 presentation (created
using the "Package for CD" option) so that my customers can review the
presentation at home.

Imagine my disappointment when I discovered that the 2003 viewer does not
support playing the linked .avi files. Powerpoint 2002 viewer supported this
functionality, and I expected that PowerPoint 2003 viewer would as well.

I realize that I can save my presentation as 2002 or '97 format and use the
older viewer, but my files are password protected (not supported by the older
versions).

My business as a trainer is now impacted by the fact that this feature was
not implemented in a later version. My customers can no longer review the
class presentation at home from the CD. This has resulted in unhappy
customers, and a potential loss of future revenue. Also, my reputation in my
industry is at risk.

I request that PowerPoint 2003 be enhanced to support the playing of linked
..avi files.

 

[Sonia]

The PowerPoint 2003 Viewer DOES support playing AVI's, so let's back up and
identify what has happened. Have you tested the CD on your system and does it
work? Does it work on other systems that you've tested it on? Is it just on
some systems that the AVI doesn't play?

 

[JudyC]

I am running Windows XP and Office 2003. When I run the presentation from
the CD I packaged it to (via the "Package for CD..." option), and I click on
an .avi object that I wish to play, the following message box appears:
"PowerPoint Viewer could not open the selected link or embedded object. The
PowerPoint Viewer does not support opening linked or embedded objects."

 

[Sonia]

Okay. If you use the standard method of Insert > Movies and Sounds > Movie
from File, it will play in both PowerPoint and the Viewer. As you've learned,
it will not work by using the Insert > Object method.

 

[JudyC]

I need to use the Insert > Object method, because with this method I can
select the "control bar on playback" option, which allows me to go forward
and backup during play.

Is there a way to do this using the Insert > Movies and Sounds > Movie From
File method and enable the "control bar on playback" option?

 

[Sonia]

No. The only controls available are Play, Pause, and Stop.