PPT97: Can't Edit Graph 97 Objects in PowerPoint 7.0 File (163456)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft PowerPoint 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q163456

SYMPTOMS

If you save a PowerPoint 97 presentation in PowerPoint 7.0 format, and then open that presentation back into PowerPoint 97, you may receive the following error message when you attempt to edit any of the graphs in the presentation:
The server application, source file, or item cannot be found. You should reinstall the server application.
You may receive a similar symptom if you open a PowerPoint 7.0 presentation in PowerPoint 97, edit it, and then save it in PowerPoint 7.0 format.

CAUSE

When you save a presentation in PowerPoint 7.0 format, Graph 97 objects may not be saved correctly.

RESOLUTION

NOTE: These methods do not repair damaged Graph 97 objects; they only prevent the graphs from becoming damaged in the first place.

Use one of the following methods to prevent this problem from occurring:

Method 1: Save the presentation as a PowerPoint 97 presentation

Save the presentation as a PowerPoint 97 presentation before you save it as a PowerPoint 7.0 presentation.

Method 2: Run the presentation in a slide show before you save it

View the presentation as a slide show before you save it as a PowerPoint 7.0 presentation.

Method 3: Save the presentation using the PowerPoint 95 & 97 converter

Save the presentation as a PowerPoint 97 and PowerPoint 7.0 presentation. This file format can be read by both PowerPoint 97 and PowerPoint 7.0. To save your presentation in this format, use these steps:
  1. On the File menu, click Save.
  2. From the Save as Type list, select PowerPoint 95 & 97 Presentation (*.ppt)
  3. Type a name in the File Name box, and then click Save.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft PowerPoint 97 for Windows. This problem was corrected in Microsoft PowerPoint 97 Service Release 1.

MORE INFORMATION

When you save a PowerPoint 97 presentation in an earlier version format, PowerPoint does not change the OLE objects in that presentation. Therefore, if your presentation contains a Graph 97 object, you must have Graph 97 on your computer in order to edit that object. This means that if you save a PowerPoint 97 presentation as a PowerPoint 7.0 file, and open that presentation in PowerPoint 7.0, you cannot edit the graphs even if you use one of the methods listed above. However, if you have Graph 97 installed on the same computer where you have PowerPoint 7.0 installed, you can edit the graph objects.

Similarly, if your presentation contains a Microsoft Excel 97 chart and you open that presentation on a computer that only has Microsoft Excel 7.0, you cannot edit that chart on that computer.

In these situations, the programs necessary to edit these objects are not installed. The OLE objects are not corrupted.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/12/2001
Keywords:kberrmsg kbualink97 KB163456
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.