Saving down from PPT 2004 for mac so Windows/Office 2003 can read my preso

[Anne Cramer]

Anyone know how to do this? I have to get a PC loaner because my client
can't read any of my docs (word, ppt, excel) if I created them on my mac
(MacBook, Office 2004 suite). My client has Vista, but is using Office 2003.


If you know how I might be able to save the document as an earlier version
of PPT, or some other solution, that would be great, thanks!

Anne

 

[CyberTaz]

Regardless of Windows version, Office 2003 apps should be able to open files
created by the corollaries in 2004 & vice-versa. There should be little or
no difference if the files were created properly. In fact, even if the
client is using Office 2007 there should be no problem. Prior to 2007 PC &
Mac Office apps have used identical file formats for several versions now.

Your problem most likely stems from either or both of two things:

1- Make sure you save the files with the appropriate extensions - just use
the checkbox in the Save As dialog or type them yourself, and

2- The method by which you're providing the files to the client... Odds are
you're sending them by email as attachments and the client is using Exchange
Server - which will chew up & spit out fragments of files from outside its
domain Zip the files before sending them & make sure the client
understands that they have to SAVE the files to disk & open them from there
rather than just double-clicking the attachment icon. If they don't need to
edit the files you would also be better off to send PDFs in the first place.
If they *do* need to edit them send BOTH a PDF version so they know what it
looks like as well as the native version for revisions.

Fonts can also contribute to cross-platform files so that is another
consideration. However, "can't read" doesn't give anyone much to go on as
far as troubleshooting goes.

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

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

Anyone know how to do this? I have to get a PC loaner because my client
can't read any of my docs (word, ppt, excel) if I created them on my mac
(MacBook, Office 2004 suite). My client has Vista, but is using Office 2003.

If you know how I might be able to save the document as an earlier version
of PPT, or some other solution, that would be great, thanks!

It's a good idea to keep the subject brief and put the entire question into the
body of your posts here. Otherwise your question's liable to be cut off. As
it was here.

To reiterate what CyberTaz has mentioned, the file formats are the same for all
recent Win/Mac PPT versions, other than 2007, so that shouldn't be an issue.
Simply save the file. Same thing is true for the other Office apps.

Make sure that the files have the appropriate file "extension". Ie, instead of
MyDoc use MyDoc.PPT for Powerpoint files. The program has an option to add the
extension; use that and you don't have to worry about which is which.

Beyond that, let us know exactly how you're sending the files to the client and
exactly what problem they're having. Not "can't read" but "When they get my
email they XXXX, and then see a message that says "Get a Mac!"

Or whatever. <g>



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

 

[Luis Castedo]

Hi Anne,

Your client shouldn't have any problem unless you're not adding the file
extension. Make sure your mail software is adding the file extension, or at
least not removing it.

I'm in the consulting business and been using a Mac at work since 2000. And
never had any MS-Office compatibility problems.

Luis.

 

[John Gibson]

Hi Anne,

Your client shouldn't have any problem unless you're not adding the file
extension. Make sure your mail software is adding the file extension, or at
least not removing it.

I'm in the consulting business and been using a Mac at work since 2000. And
never had any MS-Office compatibility problems.

Luis.

Powerpoint 2003 needed a service pack upgrade in order to read Mac
files. One of our clients had a 2003 system that wasn't reading PP
2004 files, and when we upgraded his office installation he was able
to finally read them.

John