PPT2000: "Illegal Operation" Error Message When You Try to Access Shared Broadcast Folder (226668)

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 Online Broadcasting, when you have a shared broadcast folder with a long share name and are attempting to access the folder from a computer that is running Windows 95 or Windows 98, the default Web browser stops responding, or you receive the following error message:

This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down.
If the problem persists, contact the program vendor.

CAUSE

If the shared broadcast folder has a share name of more than 12 characters, computers that are running Windows 95 or Windows 98 may not be able to "see" or access the folder.

When a computer that is running Windows 95 or Windows 98 is invited to a broadcast and attempts to follow the link in the invitation, the default Web browser starts but is unable to locate the PowerPoint presentation and may either stop responding or present the error message given in the "Symptoms" section of this article.

WORKAROUND

To present your broadcast to computers running Windows 95 or Windows 98, you must delete and reschedule your broadcast.

On the Slide Show menu, point to Online Broadcast, and then click Set up and Schedule.
Click Change settings or reschedule a broadcast, and then click OK.
Select the appropriate broadcast, and then click Delete.
You can now schedule a new broadcast. Be sure to specify a new shared folder location in step 1 of Server Options on the Broadcast Settings tab. The new share name must be fewer than 12 characters.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.