How to overcome file saving errors in PowerPoint
- When working on PowerPoint presentations, there may come a time when you are suddenly faced with a file save error.
- To save yourself some blushes, why not try Adobe Spark, which is available across most platforms and features cloud save and easy access to presentations?
- Do you want to be a PowerPoint power user? It's easy: check out our awesome collection of PowerPoint Guides.
- If you're having issues with software, then the best resource we recommend is our in-depth Tutorial Hub filled with detailed guides and quick fixes.
When working on big PowerPoint presentations, there may come a time when you are suddenly faced with a file save error.
This 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 nuisance with offline files such as presentations, which is why an alternative for creating impactful presentations which can be accessed across a multitude of platforms and worked from any internet-enabled device is needed.
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.
Here are some of the features to look forward to when taking the leap to Adobe Spark:
- High-quality pictures and graphics
- Thousands of easy to use templates
- The ability to create multiple types of media from one platform
- Cross-platform support, including mobile
- Instant access to your creations from everywhere in the world
=> Start using Adobe Spark for free
2. Save the file as a new PowerPoint presentation
- Perform whatever editing you may need, and if an error pops up, press the Windows Start button
- Type in PowerPoint and open it again in a new window
- Select View and then Slide Sorter
- Switch back to the first presentation and select Slide Sorter as well
- Click on Edit and then choose Select All
- Go back to Edit and click on Copy
- Return to the second PowerPoint window
- Click on Edit, and select Paste
- Save the second PowerPoint document under a different name.
3. Remove ActiveMovie control added to Microsoft Visual Basic userform in PowerPoint
- Perform whatever editing you may need, and if an error pops up, press cancel and then select Tools
- Select Macro and choose Visual Basic Editor
- Select user form with ActiveMovie control
- Go to the File menu and select Remove UserForm Name, and then choose No
- Go back to the File menu
- 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 a valid solution.
4. Repair PowerPoint
- Click Start
- Select Control Panel
- Right-click Repair Office Programs
- Select Change
- Do a quick repair
- Perform an online repair later
5. Perform a fresh new install of PowerPoint
- Remove your old Microsoft Office completely
- Go to the Microsoft Office product page
- Buy the Office package of your choice
- Log in using your Microsoft account credentials
- Select Install Now to save the installation file on your PC
- Double-click on the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions of the setup wizard
If all else fails, you may need to consider using a third-party PowerPoint file repair tool.
FAQ: File saving errors in PowerPoint
- Why is my PowerPoint file not saving?
Check that PowerPoint is installed correctly and do a repair as shown in this guide. Additionally, check that you have write access to the drive you’re trying to save on.
- Why can’t I save my PowerPoint as a PDF?
If PowerPoint gives you an error when saving as PDF, ensure you are going through the correct process: File > Save As > Browse >in the Save as type dropdown menu select PDF. If this doesn’t work, you can export your presentation to Microsoft Word and then save it as a PDF from there.
- How do I save a PowerPoint file?
Once you’ve finished editing your document, go to File > Save (keyboard shortcut Ctrl + s) and select a location to save your file. Once you’ve saved the file, you will not be asked for a location unless you select File > Save As which will create a new file.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in September 2019 and has been since revamped and updated in April 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in September 2019 and was revamped and updated in July 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.