Can't open attached presentations from within Outlook Express after applying Windows XP SP2

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Problem

After applying Windows XP Service Pack 2, you find that you can no longer open PowerPoint attachments (PPT or PPS files) from within Outlook Express.

This seems to happen when you have PowerPoint 2003 Viewer installed (not PowerPoint 2003).

Workaround 1: Save the attachment

Have Outlook Express save the attached PPT or PPS file to a convenient location on your hard drive then doubleclick the file's icon to view the file.

Workaround 2: A program to correct the problem

Visit this page on Sonia Coleman's site and follow the link to Shyam Pillai's PowerPoint Viewer Registry Fix

Workaround 3: Tutorial and another fix-it program

Visit http://windowsxp.mvps.org/ppsopen.htm for a complete explanation of the problem and how to fix it.

Workaround 4: Use PowerPoint Viewer 97

A user reports that if you install the PowerPoint 97 viewer instead of the 2003 viewer, this problem doesn't occur. Though the 97 viewer doesn't support all the features of newer PowerPoint versions, it should still allow you to view and print the presentation. Thanks to GB for this one.

You can learn where to download Free PowerPoint Viewers here.

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