PPT2002: Can't Stop or Cancel Repeat Error Message "The Source Application Is Busy and Can't Respond Immediately" (285434)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft PowerPoint 2002
This article was previously published under Q285434

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to open an embedded object in a PowerPoint presentation, you may receive the following error message:
"The source application is busy and can't respond immediately."
Even when you click Cancel, you continue to receive the error message.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs when the object is already open for editing and the application has a modal window open. Modal windows are dialog boxes or error messages that need to be closed before you can do anything else with the program. Clicking Cancel does not stop PowerPoint from trying to activate the embedded object.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Click Cancel.
  2. On the task bar, select the program that has the object open.
    -OR-
    Cycle through open windows by pressing ALT+TAB repeatedly, until you select the program that has the object open.
  3. Close any open dialog boxes or error messages for this program.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/27/2006
Keywords:kbbug kberrmsg kbpending KB285434
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