How to overcome file saving errors in PowerPoint

Teodor Nechita
by Teodor Nechita
Software Managing Editor
Eager to help those in need, Teodor writes articles daily on subjects regarding Windows, Xbox, and all things tech-related. When not working, you may usually find him either at the gym or taking a... Read more
Updated:
Posted: April 2020
Affiliate Disclosure
  • When working on your presentation and you are met with a Powerpoint file saving error it might be a case of a file corruption.
  • If the error occurred while PowerPoint was saving the file, it can also be a problem with Microsoft Visual Basic.
  • You should try an alternative software from Adobe that can help you create even more original slides.
  • If PowerPoint won't save, you can also repair it by using a Windows 10 tool as indicated below.
save powerpoint presentation
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When working on big PowerPoint presentations, there may come a time when you are suddenly faced with a file save error.

This PowerPoint error while saving the file can be rather frustrating, so try following these steps that may help your solve this common issue.

How can I fix file saving errors in PowerPoint?

1. Use an alternative platform for presentations: Adobe Spark

If you’re someone who does often finds themselves presenting in front of a large audience, you’ll know that the most embarrassing thing that can happen is your presentation not working because it didn’t save correctly.

This is a common nuisance, which is why you need an alternative for creating presentations that can be accessed across a multitude of platforms and works from any Internet-enabled device.

Adobe Spark is just such an application. This web-based creation tool is perfect for creating professional-looking presentations, posters, flyers, Facebook and Instagram posts, and banner art.

Adobe Spark features high-quality pictures and graphics, thousands of easy-to-use templates and it helps you create multiple types of media from one platform.

This great solution also comes with cross-platform support, including mobile and instant access to your creations from everywhere in the world so you should definitely give it a try.

Adobe Spark

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2. Save the file as a new PowerPoint presentation

  1. Perform whatever editing you may need, and if an error pops up, press the Windows Start button.
  2. Type in PowerPoint and open it again in a new window.
  3. Select View and then Slide Sorter
  4. Switch back to the first presentation and select Slide Sorter as well
  5. Click on Edit and then choose Select All.
  6. Go back to Edit and click on Copy.
  7. Return to the second PowerPoint window.
  8. Click on Edit, and select Paste.
  9. Save the second PowerPoint document under a different name.

This is a clever way of saving your presentation if something goes wrong. After saving it under a new name, your presentation should work fine.

3. Remove the ActiveMovie control from the Microsoft Visual Basic userform

  1. Perform whatever editing you may need, and if an error pops up, press cancel and then select Tools.
  2. Select Macro and choose Visual Basic Editor.
  3. Select user form with ActiveMovie control.
  4. Go to the File menu and select Remove UserForm Name, and then choose No.
  5. Go back to the File menu.
  6. Select Close and Return to Microsoft PowerPoint.

More so, the errors may be the result of faulty registries caused by an old PowerPoint install, so a quick repair or a fresh install may also be valid solutions.

4. Repair PowerPoint

  1. Type control panel in the Windows search tab and click to open the Control Panel app from the results.
  2. Right-click Repair Office Programs.
  3. Select Change.
  4. Do a quick repair.
  5. Perform an online repair later.

5. Perform a fresh new install of PowerPoint

  1. Remove your old Microsoft Office completely.
  2. Next, download Microsoft 365.
  3. Buy the Office package of your choice.
  4. Log in using your Microsoft account credentials.
  5. Select Install Now to save the installation file on your PC.
  6. Double-click on the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions of the setup wizard.

If you don’ know how to completely uninstall your Microsoft Office, check out this excellent guide that will help you do that in no time.

If all else fails, you may need to consider using a third-party PowerPoint file repair tool.

We hope that our solutions helped you fix this PowerPoint file saving error and you saved your presentation quickly. If you have any other suggestions on how to deal with this error, leave us a comment below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Check if PowerPoint is installed correctly and perform a repair. Additionally, check if you have write access to the drive you’re trying to save on.

  • You can export your presentation to Microsoft Word and then save it as a PDF from there. We also have a great guide on how to overcome file saving errors in PowerPoint.

  • You can do that from the File menu or just use the Ctrl + S shortcut. If you have any problems with your file, you can repair it using this expert guide.

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