PPT Presentation Distributed on USB Memory Stick

[Guest]

I have a good deal of experience creating PowerPoint presentations that link to various external video, audio and .exe files. Upon completing presentations, I generally package all of the necessary files on CDs- sometimes with an installer other times simply with written instructions for the end-user telling them where the files need to be located in order for the links to work properly.

I have a client that would like to distribute their PowerPoint presentations (containing links) on USB flash memory sticks as opposed to CDs. I'm wondering if I can program the presentation and corresponding links to live on and function entirely from the memory stick- independent of the end user's C Drive. Thus being a self-contained presentation (with links) that would not need to take up space on the end-user's machine.

If this is possible, then my second question would be:
In programming the presentation and creating links to various media files, what variables do I need to consider with regards to the memory stick's location/identity. For instance, is a USB memory stick universally referred to as an "E Drive" or do I have the ability to name the drive and have that name be recognized by all target systems reading the drive?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
THANKS.

 

[David M. Marcovitz]

Put all the external files in the same folder as the PowerPoint. Then
make the links. You should be able to transfer it over to the memory
stick (or a CD), and the links should work. If that doesn't work, use
Package for CD (in PowerPoint 2003) or Pack N Go (in 2002 and earlier).
In 2003, you should be able to create the packaged version in a folder on
your hard drive and copy the folder to the memory stick. In 2002, you
should be able to pack to your hard drive and then unpack to a new folder
and copy the folder to the memory stick. Packaging and/or packing makes
sure that all the external files come along.

In terms of drive letters, the only thing you can count on is that the
primary hard drive is C and the first floppy drive is A, and you can't
even count on that.

--David

--
David M. Marcovitz, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Programs in Educational Technology
Loyola College in Maryland
Author of _Powerful PowerPoint for Educators_
http://www.loyola.edu/education/PowerfulPowerPoint/

 

[Sonia]

Prior to creating the presentation, gather all video, audio and other files
into a single folder where the presentation will also be saved. Never link
to any file that doesn't already reside in the folder. This way the links
will not break when the files are moved. See:

Sounds/Movies don't play, images disappear or links break when I move or
email a presentation
http://www.rdpslides.com/pptfaq/FAQ00155.htm

When everything is complete, copy all files to the thumb drive. You'll
probably want to make the thumb drive autorun and play from the Viewer
(stored on the drive). See the following for that process:

http://www.soniacoleman.com/Tutorials/PowerPoint/acdpc.htm
http://www.echosvoice.com/autoruncd.htm
--
Sonia, MS PowerPoint MVP Team
Autorun CD software, templates, and tutorials
http://www.soniacoleman.com/

I have a good deal of experience creating PowerPoint presentations that

link to various external video, audio and .exe files. Upon completing
presentations, I generally package all of the necessary files on CDs-
sometimes with an installer other times simply with written instructions for
the end-user telling them where the files need to be located in order for
the links to work properly.

I have a client that would like to distribute their PowerPoint

presentations (containing links) on USB flash memory sticks as opposed to
CDs. I'm wondering if I can program the presentation and corresponding links
to live on and function entirely from the memory stick- independent of the
end user's C Drive. Thus being a self-contained presentation (with links)
that would not need to take up space on the end-user's machine.

If this is possible, then my second question would be:
In programming the presentation and creating links to various media files,

what variables do I need to consider with regards to the memory stick's
location/identity. For instance, is a USB memory stick universally referred
to as an "E Drive" or do I have the ability to name the drive and have that
name be recognized by all target systems reading the drive?