SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to open a file you receive the following error message:
Sorry, the file cannot be opened because part of the file is missing.
This error message typically occurs with files that are saved on removable media, but may also occur with damaged files on a local hard disk.
WORKAROUND
In most cases, this error message indicates that the file is damaged, and it is unlikely that you can recover the file. However, in some cases you may be able to recover the file by using one of the following methods.
Method 1: Open the File on a Different Computer
Transfer the file to another computer that is running the same
version of PowerPoint. Or, if you have a Windows-based computer on which PowerPoint is installed, attempt to open the file on that computer.
Method 2: Use a Different Method to Open the File
Open the file by using one of the following methods:
- Double-click the file in the Finder.
- Start PowerPoint. Drag the file from Windows Explorer to PowerPoint.
- In PowerPoint, click Slides from File on the Insert menu.
Method 3: Install the Microsoft Office 2001 Service Release 1 (SR-1) Patch
Installing the Microsoft Office 2001 SR-1 patch
may allow you to open the presentation. It may also prevent the problem from occurring again.
You can obtain the Microsoft Office 2001 Service Release 1 file from the following Microsoft Web site:
For additional information about the Office 2001 Service Release, click the article number below
to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
294949 OFF2001: Readme for Microsoft Office 2001 for Mac Service Release 1 (SR-1)
Or, visit the Microsoft MacTopia Web site (
http://www.microsoft.com/mac) for any additional updates.
Method 4: Diable Fast Saves
Another method that may work is to turn off the
Allow fast saves option in PowerPoint 2001, and then perform a full save of the document. To do this, follow these steps:
- Start PowerPoint 2001.
- Open a document, and then click Preferences on the Edit menu.
- In the Preferences dialog box, click the Save tab, and then click to clear the Allow fast saves check box.
- Open the presentation that exhibits the behavior described in the "Symptoms" section of this article.
- Make at least one change to the presentation, such as adding a space or other symbol, or make a formatting change.
- Save the presentation.
NOTE With the
Allow fast saves option turned off, the next time that you save the presentation, the presentation completes a full save.
Method 5: Manually Move the File to a Network Share
NOTE: Use this method if the file was saved on a network share when you received the error message.
Save the presentation to a local drive, and then use the Finder to transfer the file to the network share in question. Mac OS saves files differently to a network server than an application does.