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.PPTX Files

The .PPTX file extension is a new file type format used by the Microsoft Corporation in the 2007 edition of the Microsoft Office Suite. It has replaced the previous .PPT file extension. This new file format is an efficient, compressed and secured XML file.

Microsoft PowerPoint is perhaps the most well recognized of all brands of presentation software and is one of the key applications that comes with the Microsoft Office Suite (along with Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, OneNote etc.).

PowerPoint is a very powerful presentation tool which enables you to produce on-screen presentations comprised of any combination of text, images, charts, graphs and backgrounds of nearly any colour and font style you can imagine. In addition you can very easily imbed audio files, video clips and other animation to create a very professional-looking presentation.

Opening .PPTX Files

Unlike their counterpart the .PPSX file (which is also used by Microsoft PowerPoint) - .PPTX files are directly associated with the native PowerPoint application. To open, simply double-click on the file. Once you double-click on the file the full version of Microsoft PowerPoint will launch and display the various slides and elements that make up the PowerPoint presentation. You will then be able to move, edit or otherwise manipulate the text and visual elements on each slide - you will also be able to insert or delete slides or change their order to suit your needs. You must have Microsoft PowerPoint or PowerPoint viewer installed to open a .PPTX file.

If you are unable to open a .PPTX file it is likely that you do not have the correct software application (or version) installed to open the .PPTX file. If the correct software is installed and you still cannot open a .PPT file then you may be dealing with a totally different set of issues - a problem with the file association between the .PPTX file extension, the PowerPoint software and the Windows Registry. Fortunately most file extension-related errors can be easily resolved by running FileCure which re-associates the file extensions in the Registry and repairs many of these types of problems. FileCure also keeps the Windows Registry working efficiently, speeds up the PC or laptop and generally keep the computer functioning smoothly.

Common Problems With .PPTX Files

Using and viewing .PPTX files, just like with any other Microsoft file type, can sometimes be challenging. Most frequently not being able to open the .PPTX file will be related to the difference between the version of PowerPoint that was used to create the .PPTX file and the version of PowerPoint (or PowerPoint Viewer) you are using to try and play the .PPTX file.

Generally, older versions of the Microsoft Office Suite cannot open the newer .PPTX file format. The problems related to opening .PPTX files are usually due to it being created by newer version of the application - this is even more so the case if you are using an older version of PowerPoint to try and open an Office 2007 .PPTX file with Office 2000 or an earlier version. If you have Office 2007 installed you will be able to open the older .PPT files and re-save them as .PPTX files.

Security Issues With .PPTX Files

One of the identified threats associated with Microsoft PowerPoint is the is the Trojan Exploit-PPT.d virus. This a code that can be written into a .PPTX file which exploits vulnerability in the Office 2000, XP and 2003 editions. Once loaded by PowerPoint, it will discreetly launch one .EXE and two .DLL files that will infect the Internet Explorer application installed on your PC or laptop and execute malicious codes. These codes can cause damage ranging from deleting data to tracking your personal information (passwords etc.)

.PPTX files have been know to act as container files for malicious codes that exploit a memory vulnerability in most computers and cause memory overruns (Parsing Memory Corruption). This code will infect the parsing function generated by the application, causing a spill-over of data from the buffer, or altering the behavior of the application with an unchecked buffer, when you launch the .PPTX file. Most often this will cause PowerPoint to fail and force you to shut down your PC or laptop - the frustrating part is you will likely lose the presentation and any other work you were doing in other applications (i.e. MS Exel, MS Word) due to the forced shut down.

There is also a security issue involving the Malformed Routing Slip Vulnerability that can expose PowerPoint files to Trojans codes. These Trojan files will attempt to download malicious codes (i.e. keylogger tracking capabilities) and generate a hidden Internet Explorer procedure that will connect your computer to a pre-determined web site.

It is highly recommended you take every precaution before opening this file type even if it was delivered or e-mail or download froma trusted source. Be sure to have anti-virus, anti-spyware, spam controls, privacy software, a registry cleaner and trusted data recovery tools activated and protecting your system before opening a.PPT file.

PowerPoint Presentation Best Practices

The presentation slide of the file .PPTX commonly contains text, graphics, videos and other objects that are positioned on the slide (referring to the available work space) based on how you want the page to look and display in the "show mode".

There has been quite a lot of research done on how to develop presentations that will engage your audience and help you to communicate your message. Here are a few "best practices" you may chose to consider when developing your PowerPoint presentation:

  • structure your overall presentation logically and in a sequence that will make sense to your audience;

  • use short text "bulleted lists" as your speaking points - not more than five points per slide;

  • DO NOT stand in front of your audience and read your slides - they will have already have read your entire slide before you read the first line. Put only the key concepts on the slide - then tell your audience the rest of the details during your talk.

  • font size is important - design your presentation for the room you will be delivering it in. Use a font size that people will be able to see at a distance;

  • contrast the text colours with the slide background - using similar background and font colours will make the text very hard to read;

  • have a nice mix of visual images and text on each slide - and use the animation features in PowerPoint to "move" or "draw" the more complex concepts you are trying to communicate;

  • People like handouts - it's easier than them scribbling down notes. If you have handouts for your audience pass them out at the end of you talk or leave them at the door so they can pick up one on the way out. If you give out your handouts before your presentation it will not only be a distraction but your audience will now know everything you are going to say in your presentation and will not stay focused on you.

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