Opening old Power Point files

Anonymous
2010-02-04T02:28:59+00:00

I have a large number of Power Point files that were created in 1995, 1996, 1997, and later using then current versions of Power Point (3.0 and earlier versions I think they were ... and since these were federal governement computers the operating system was probably whatever was before Windows 95).  I upgraded to Windows Vista 64 anad a new computer in August 2009, with Office 2007 and recently needed to open a Power Point presentation from 1997 and use it the historical data in a new presentation.  My computer wouldn't open the file and said that my current Power Point doesn't support earlier versions.  I then tried to open the 1997 file one of my other computers that has Windows XP and Office 2003.  The file wouldn't open on that computer either giving a similar message.  I also have an antique computer with Windows 98 that isn't very reliable, some of these old Power Point files can open on that computer with a little animation of pages flying through the air saying it is updating from an older version of Power Point.  I have hundreds of old Power Point files and some of them still have relevant historical information that I need to use occasionally without having to remember the details of what I put on them then.  How can I open these old Power Point files on my new computer?

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Anonymous
2010-02-04T05:27:31+00:00

I have a large number of Power Point files that were created in 1995, 1996, 1997, and later using then current versions of Power Point (3.0 and earlier versions I think they were ... and since these were federal governement computers the operating system was probably whatever was before Windows 95).  I upgraded to Windows Vista 64 anad a new computer in August 2009, with Office 2007 and recently needed to open a Power Point presentation from 1997 and use it the historical data in a new presentation.  My computer wouldn't open the file and said that my current Power Point doesn't support earlier versions.  I then tried to open the 1997 file one of my other computers that has Windows XP and Office 2003.  The file wouldn't open on that computer either giving a similar message.  I also have an antique computer with Windows 98 that isn't very reliable, some of these old Power Point files can open on that computer with a little animation of pages flying through the air saying it is updating from an older version of Power Point.  I have hundreds of old Power Point files and some of them still have relevant historical information that I need to use occasionally without having to remember the details of what I put on them then.  How can I open these old Power Point files on my new computer?

Hi

I'm afraid 2007 won't open really old files (saved in '97 format or earlier I believe) but 2003 might. If 2003 won't, you need to find a computer running an older version and try again... There may be some 'issues' (particularly with animations from pre XP/2002) but at least you'll have a starting point. Once you have found a computer that will open the files this should help:

Batch re-save presentations; update older presentations to newer PowerPoint version

http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00740.htm

I advise you to update all the files when you find the equipment to do so :-)

Lucy

Lucy Thomson

PowerPoint MVP

an easier tomorrow

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-07-26T07:40:09+00:00

    This problem had thwarted me for ages - but this time round I found http://www.zamzar.com/ - I tried it, and it does what it says...

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-07-23T08:40:27+00:00

    No problem. Lucy and I are telling you how it is, we have no control over Microsoft or your bad temper but I would be pretty sure that there isnt going to be a converter in the foreseeable future. I did give you a link to a free method but it will only convert about 5 files at a time.

    I won't be answering any more of your posts.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-07-23T06:38:26+00:00

    John,

    I see, now I have to pay a fee per month for someone else to decode my old PPT's.  This is even worse than Lucys idea.

    I don't know who works at MS or not but I still sy:

    Shame on MS and BG.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-07-23T06:33:34+00:00

    I still think this is a lousey answer.  All of MS assets and you guys can't come up with a downloadable tool to create a VBS macro?  You send me out on some PPTOOLS site to download VBS code and figure out how to install it??? I am really sick of BG and Friends forcing us to upgrade for hundreds of dollars every 12-18 months just so you can obsolete one's files.  I might as well go to libre office or open office for a free version of MS office that allows me to do what I need withou the money and hassel of MS office.

    Shame on you all.

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