Arrow keys don't work in slide view mode in powerpoint

Anonymous
2013-02-24T03:42:39+00:00

My powerpoint used to work fine but recently I am unable to advance or move my slides backwards in the Slide view mode with arrow keys, space bar and return.  Nothing seems to work.  I cannot even exit the presentation with the ESC key.  I need to use the cursor to exit presentation.  Because of this situation, I cannot use the remote control to advance my slides.  PLS HELP!!!

Microsoft 365 and Office | PowerPoint | For home | Windows

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Anonymous
2017-06-01T06:50:19+00:00

I have fixed the problem on my side following these steps:

  • Open the "Slide show" tab in the ribbon
  • Click on "Set Up Slide Show"
  • Make sure that following options are selected "Show type" = presented by the speaker (full screen) and "Advance slides" = manually

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-03-14T02:03:13+00:00

    The latest update is 14.3.2 (not 14.2.3). And the latest update DOES NOT fix the issue. The issue began after update 14.3.1. 

    Rolling the update back to 14.2.3 allows you to use the program without it losing keyboard or USB remote access during presentations. So the issue is not answered yet. But I hope MS does find a fix quickly.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-03-14T23:47:13+00:00

    14.3.2 does not fix this problem.  I've wasted hours tracking this down because of Microsoft's silence. This has been a massive PIA and I can imagine a major discombobulator for less experienced presenters.  For professional presenters this is a MAJOR issue. If there is no resolution within the next few days I will take this opportunity to try Keynote. Come on MS get with it.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-03-18T12:32:35+00:00

    Thanks to all for raising this problem. I have presented for years.. and this problem is terrible. MicroSoft should be responding.. I hope this is resolved ASAP.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-03-18T12:44:01+00:00

    The problem is well documented here at:

    https://discussions.apple.com/message/21501792?ac\_cid=tw123456#21501792

    I have suffered severely with a smimilar problem to you. There are two fixes - one is to uninstall Office and re-install WITHOUT the updates.

    The second option which is a hassle - but is the one that worked for me - is to completely re-install Mountain Lion from scratch! I had mine done at an Apple Service Centre - then re-installed Office and the 'freezing' issue was completely resolved AND I was also able to re-install ALL the office updates as well.

    These incompatibilities between Apple and Microsoft are getting worse - and the fixes taking longer and longer - not to mention outdated drivers!

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