PPT98: MIDI Files aren't Recognized in PowerPoint 98 (182922)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft PowerPoint 98 Macintosh Edition

This article was previously published under Q182922

SYMPTOMS

When you open a PowerPoint for Windows presentation that contains a MIDI file object in PowerPoint 98 Macintosh Edition the MIDI file will not play. When you attempt to play the MIDI file, you will receive the following error message:
The multimedia object is unavailable for playback because it is linked to a file on a different platform.
If you attempt to insert the MIDI file in your presentation as a Sound object, you may receive the following error message:
PowerPoint couldn't insert a sound from the selected file.

CAUSE

PowerPoint 98 Macintosh Edition does not recognize MIDI files from a PowerPoint for Windows presentation because the MIDI file is not in QuickTime format.

You can insert and play MIDI files in a PowerPoint 98 Macintosh Edition presentation if you first convert the file to QuickTime format. You can use QuickTime version 2.5 or later to convert the file.

RESOLUTION

Import the MIDI file into your PowerPoint 98 presentation using these steps:
  1. On the Insert menu, point to Movies And Sounds, and click Movie From File.
  2. Select the MIDI file and click Convert.
  3. The original file name will appear in the Save Converted File As box in the Save dialog box but it will have a .movie extension. To keep this file name, click Save.
The converted MIDI file will be inserted into your presentation as a QuickTime movie object.

STATUS

This feature is under review and will be considered for inclusion in a future release.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/3/2002
Keywords:kbbug kbconversion kberrmsg kbinterop kbsound KB182922