Hi Michael,
A few things ....
1) Check your EULA on the 97 version to make sure you are licensed to
install it. Usually, the licenses are for a single machine, so reinstalling
it on a new one would not be allowed.
2) Most new computers do not ship with CD's anymore. Even if you do get
the CD's, Office isn't broken out separately, but is part of a larger
rebuild everything CD set. You may not be able to just install Office
separately. If this is true, then the next step can't be done.
3) Most software (Office included) tends to work better when older
versions are installed first. So, provided that issue #1 isn't an issue, I
would uninstall Office 2003 (I'm guessing that is what was installed on your
computer), install Office 97 (choose custom, pick a new directory for it,
and only install PowerPoint), then reinstall your Office 2003 (assuming that
step #2 isn't an issue).
Another method ....
Install a virtual machine on your computer. It is a lot like running
completely separate computer within your computer. You will need to
install a new iteration of windows and then you can install the Office 97
stuff on that.
Yet another method ....
Buy PowerPoint 2003 (not the upgrade, but the full version). More costly,
but it will run the presentations created on 97 and will give you much, much
more abilities in building new presentations.
Of course ....
If all you want to do is look at what was sent to you, why not just install
the viewer.
** Free PowerPoint Viewers, Viewer Capabilities
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00153.htm