ppt automatic page numbers convert to text boxes

[Scott Pursley]

PROBLEM REPORT



PowerPoint version now in use: I am using PowerPoint 2003 SP3, my business
partner is using PowerPoint 2007 which is set to convert ppt docs to ppt
2003.



Version the file was created in or opened in since, if any: ppt 2003



Windows version: XP for me, XP for my business partner



Other hardware involved (printer, etc): we both use Lenovo T60 laptops



Description of problem: PowerPoint 2003 automatic page numbers get converted
to text boxes when opened by 2007



When I do this: I will create a PowerPoint document, and set it up so page
numbers appear automatically on each page.



Here's what happens: Once I send to my business partner, who is using ppt
2007, the page numbers are converted to text boxes. Obviously this is a
problem, since she and I might modify the document 5-6 times, sending it
back and forth to each other.



Here's what I've already tried to solve the problem: I tried to start with
a new ppt master template, thinking my template was corrupted. This does not
work. Is there a setting on her or my ppt software that needs to be changed?

 

[Bill Dilworth]

The best solution is for one of you to change versions. PowerPoint 2007
handles many things differently than did 2003. They are compatible, but
they don't always seem to like each other very much, as you have started to
discover.

Where possible, I would suggest avoiding conversion (either direction) as
much as possible.

Bill Dilworth

 

[Scott Pursley]

Is there any other way to avoid this? We really do not want to have to
convert our software. Almost all of our clients use ppt 2003. However,
2003 is no longer on the market, and 2007 is not broadly used.

 

[Bill Dilworth]

Scott,

There are many places you can still get your hands on a valid licensable
copy Office 2003.
Some retailers still have inventory on their shelves.
I would be cautious about on-line sites, especially if they appear to be
offering a deal too good to be true, but there are many of these.
Many computer stores have available copies they can load onto the
computer.
OpenOffice may be more compatible with 2003, but do not take my word for
it. It may also cause weirdness when passed back and forth.

This is the difficult part of the short software life-cycle business model
being used. You end up trying to service your customers on multiple (but
very different) levels of the software. Some of your clients are early
adopters (leading edge at any cost) and others feel the software is good
enough (make it last at no cost).

Bill Dilworth