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

It happened to me to after the 14.3.1 update.

I was not connected to the internet, and it has happened in all of my last 3 talks, and it occurs every 15min or so. I can continue if I unplug the miniDVI connector, and replug it in after 5 seconds.

Powerbook 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5

macosx 10.8.2

Mirrored Mode

Connected to data projector

Not using USB remote

Not connected to network

Idle time doesn't matter, all that matters is total time in mirrored mode (~15 min)

No add ons

No notifications

Screensaver and energy settings > 60 min, power adapter plugged in

I don't have a mouse, it is a lap top, but no keys did anything.

Many thanks for all the responses.

We managed to reproduce the issue.  Somehow the keyboard focus was lost during slideshow so that keyboard looks frozen (clicking the slideshow window using mouse could regain the keyboard focus ). We are investigating on the root cause.

Thank you...thank you. I'm pleased that you have been able to reproduce the issue and that my input may have helped.

Microsoft really needs to make some public announcement about this issue in which the company acknowledges the problem and states that you are addressing it. The issue is killing professional presenters everywhere. Without understanding the cause, i.e., the 14.2.3 update, users are bringing their laptops in for check-ups and possible service, buying new remotes, re-installing operating systems, etc. in an attempt to rectify the situation. People calling Microsoft technical support are being given erroneous instructions to re-install PowerPoint for Mac 2011 and all the updates...really bad advice!

My work-around for the time being is to revert to using PowerPoint for Mac 2008 that I still have installed on one of my back-up laptops. The files all still run perfectly under that older software.

It is important for all persons encountering this issue to know that the root cause is not the retina MacBook Pro or any of the operating systems used. The 14.2.3 update brought this perplexing issue to all of us.

Please address this issue as rapidly as possible and release a fix. Many thanks.

Many thanks for all the responses.

We managed to reproduce the issue.  Somehow the keyboard focus was lost during slideshow so that keyboard looks frozen (clicking the slideshow window using mouse could regain the keyboard focus ). We are investigating on the root cause.

The problem is effecting many users, all of whom are posting similar reports. The issue arose with installation of Version 14.2.3.

Suggest using Keynote to run your presentations. All run fine without keyboard freeze issue when run under Keynote.

No response from Microsoft yet.

Lots of dumb theories being posted as to possible causes. It was definitely this latest PowerPoint update that causes the freeze on many types of Apple laptops and under various operating systems.