PPT97: Action Button Doesn't Launch Sound or Movie Object

ID: Q165210

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft PowerPoint 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

You receive the following error message when you try to play a movie or sound as the action setting of another object.

   PowerPoint could not locate or start <filename>.

For example, if you select the Run Program option in the Action Settings dialog box and specify a .wav (sound) or an .avi (movie) file, you will receive this error message.

This error will also occur if you attempt to run a file, such as a Word document or a Microsoft Excel worksheet, using the Run Program option.

CAUSE

The Run Program option only works with program files. Movie and sound files are not programs. They require another program to play them.

The Run Program option functions differently from the Windows 95 Run command on the Start menu. The Windows 95 Run command automatically starts the application associated with the .avi or .wav file and then plays the .avi or .wav file. The Run Program option does not know what application is needed to play the .avi or .wav file.

RESOLUTION

To run a movie using the Run Program option in the Action Settings dialog box, follow these steps:

1. In PowerPoint, draw or select a shape or picture.

2. On the Slide Show menu, click Action Settings.

3. Click to select the Run Program option.

4. Type the following in the Run Program box:

      C:\Windows\Mplayer.exe C:\<directory>\<movie name>.avi

   where <directory> is the name of the directory where the .avi file is
   located and <movie name> is the name of the .avi file.

5. Click OK.

When you run the slide show and click the shape, Media Player starts and plays the .avi file.

STATUS

This feature is under review and will be considered for inclusion in a future release.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about interactive presentations, click Contents And Index on the Help menu, click the Index tab in PowerPoint Help, type the following text

   interactive presentations

double-click the selected text, and then double-click "about creating interactive presentations" to go to the "About creating interactive presentations" topic. If you are unable to find the information you need, ask the Office Assistant.

Additional query words: 97 ppt97 8.0 slideshow slide show action err avi wav mov sound movie radio interactive

Keywords          : kberrmsg
Version           : WINDOWS:97; MACINTOSH:98
Platform          : MACINTOSH WINDOWS
Hardware          : MAC x86
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: November 25, 1998