Knowledge Base

PPT2000: Action Button Doesn't Start Sound or Movie Object

PSS ID Number: 198220

Article Last Modified on 8/6/2002

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft PowerPoint 2000

This article was previously published under Q198220

SYMPTOMS

When you try to play a movie or sound as the action setting of another object, you receive the following error message:

PowerPoint couldn't locate or start file name.

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

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

CAUSE

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

The Run Program option functions differently from the Windows Run command on the Start menu. The Windows Run command automatically starts the program that is associated with the .avi or .wav file and then plays the .avi or .wav file. The Run Program option does not have the information for which program is needed to play the .avi or .wav file.

RESOLUTION

To play a custom sound from an action button, select the Play Sound option in the Action Settings dialog box. In the drop-down menu, select Other Sound. Browse to the appropriate .wav file, and then click OK.

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

In PowerPoint, draw or select a shape or picture.
On the Slide Show menu, click Action Settings.
Click to select Run Program.
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.
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 revision in a future release.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about interactive presentations, click the Office Assistant, and type the following into the question box:

Action Buttons

-or-

Interactive Presentations

Additional query words: ppt9 9.0 slideshow slide show action err avi wav mov sound movie radio interactive ppt2000 PowerPoint couldn t locate or start

Keywords: kberrmsg kbprb KB198220
Technology: kbPowerPt2000 kbPowerPt2000Search kbPowerPtSearch kbZNotKeyword2