power point/course - locking powerpoint show
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power point/course - Locking PowerPoint Show

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Aileen has attended:
PowerPoint Intermediate Advanced course

Locking PowerPoint Show

Can I lock a .pps file so the recipient can't amend/edit it??

RE: Locking PowerPoint Show

Hi Aileen,

Thanks for the question. A .pps file just opens the file in the slide show view. You can still edit it. Have you tried saving the slides as jpegs? (File> Save As> .jpeg) You keep the pictures but you cannot edit it.

Tracy

RE: Locking PowerPoint Show

Hmmmm...but I don't want to lock just pictures - I want to lock the entire show, including text. Would I have to save each slide as a jpeg???

RE: Locking PowerPoint Show

When you go to save one slide as a jpeg you should be given the option whether you want to save the current slide or the presentation as a whole. Try it
Tracy

RE: Locking PowerPoint Show

Okay I tried and it saved each slide as a separate jpeg in a folder (without asking me how I wanted it saved).

All I want to do is prevent a recipient from editing my presentation - I wouldn't want to send a folder of jpegs. What am I doing wrong?

Tools > Options > Security tab

Hi Aileen,

There is an easier way.

In your powerpoint presentation (open in powerpoint) go to Tools -> Options -> Security tab.

You'll see two places to put a password, one to 'open' the file, and one to 'modify' the file.

So put a password in the 'modify' password box, then press 'OK', and shut down the file.

When you open the file again, you should be prompted to either type the 'modify' password, or open the file as 'read only', meaning no changes can be made, but the slideshow can still be run as normal.

I hope this is a better solution to your question. This solution works for Powerpoint 2003 and above (and perhaps 2002/XP, I'm not sure).

If this does solve your problem, please mark this question as resolved. Otherwise, please respond with any other follow-up, and I'll be glad to help.

Regards, Rich

RE: Tools > Options > Security tab

Hi Rich

I'm working on a Mac OSX...is this why I can't see "Options" under "Tools"?

I tried to search in Help, but it says to lock the document...however it doesn't tell me where the "lock" function is.

Sorry to drag this on, but I'm at a loss!

Thanks
Aileen

RE: Tools > Options > Security tab

Aileen,

Ahh, okay. Yes, Mac version may be different. Is it Powerpoint 2004 for Mac?

There must be an options dialogue box somewhere there. Try searching all the menus. Sometimes it's in Edit -> Preferences, or something like that.

Get back to me on the version (Help -> About if you're unsure), and I'll research to see if the security option is available.

This 'tips' site says there is no way to save as 'read only': http://www.bitbetter.com/powerfaq.htm #anchor1492740

Also, this may be useful (Microsoft e-mail support Powerpoint 2004 for Mac): http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?& ;c1=505&gprid=2524&

Regards, Rich

RE: Tools > Options > Security tab

Hi Rich

Apparently we work off Microsoft X (the first version Mac did for PowerPoint for OS X).

I can't see anything interesting in the Preferences area either. Or anywhere else. I don't understand why it has a topic called "lock" in the Help index but no information about it. Help!!

Aileen

Locking Powerpoint X files in for Mac OS X - read only

Aileen,

Ahh okay. I believe the Office v. X version of Powerpoint is limited in terms of functionality compared to the newer 2004 for Mac or Windows versions offer.

I did however track down this link:
http://www.microsoft.com/mac/otherproducts/officex/using.aspx?pid=usingofficex& ;type=howto&article=/mac/LIBRARY/feature_articles/officex/pp_movieswhen.xml
which explains how to turn your powerpoint slideshows into a movie format (eg. quicktime).

Also, according to this web site:
http://phdposters.com/convert_to_pdf.php
... Mac OS X has a built in 'print to file' option. Browse down to the heading "Instructions for Mac OS X" and follow the instructions. They have the instructions there for Powerpoint 2004, but I'm hoping it will work for your Powerpoint X version as well.

If this fails, you could locate some software on the internet (you may have to buy) that does convert Powerpoint X to PDF file so that you can distribute it.

It doesn't look like Powerpoint X has the feature to protect from editing. I'm not sure about the 'lock' in Powerpoint X Help... perhaps if you copied and pasted the help text as a reply to this forum post?

Note: sometimes operating systems use the terminology 'locking' a file when the file is in use (ie. you are editing it/working on it).

Regards, Rich

PS. Here are some 'hints and tips' on Powerpoint X (you'll need to scroll down to the Powerpoint section of the web page): http://www.microsoft.com/mac/otherproducts/officex/using.aspx?pid=usingofficex #powerpointhowto

RE: Locking Powerpoint X files in for Mac OS X - read only

Rich

I think the pdf job does the trick - nice one!

Just for info I've cut and pasted the message about locking I get:


Lock Document
Locks a subdocument so that no changes can be made. To unlock the document, click the Lock Document button again.


No idea what they're on about. Alas, I'll try the pdf thing in the future and send documents that way. Hopefully that'll work.

Thanks for your diligent assistance!

Aileen

 

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