PPT2002: "Preview Not Available" Message in Open Dialog Box (285464)

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft PowerPoint, when you use the Open dialog box on the File menu to select a presentation, you may not see a preview of the presentation as expected. Instead, the preview field displays a Preview not available message. When you select the same file in Microsoft Windows Explorer, no preview is shown.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs if the file is password-protected with regards to opening or modifying it. PowerPoint does not save a preview when the presentation has a password.

WORKAROUND

If you want to make additional information available to people who have selected a password-protected file in the Open dialog box, follow these steps:

Start PowerPoint, and then open the protected file. Type the passwords as needed.
On the Tools menu, click Options.
On the Security tab, click Advanced.
Click to clear the Encrypt document properties check box, and then click OK twice.
On the File menu, click Properties.
On the Summary tab, type descriptive text in the Title and Subject boxes, and then click OK.

When you select this file in the Open dialog box, and then move the pointer over the file name, the author, title, and subject fields are displayed.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about password protection, click Microsoft PowerPoint Help on the Help menu, type password protection in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topics returned.