Make Powerpoint 2007 handle long file names

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davision - 29 Jun 2007 19:48 GMT

I'm a bit dumbfounded that PPT 2007 cannot handle a file name over about
25-30 characters. I haven't tested to find the exact limit. But if I try to
package a presentation for viewing on another computer, the linked files will
not come in if their names are over a certain length.

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Michael Koerner - 29 Jun 2007 20:55 GMT

A lot depends on the OS as to the length of the path/file name. 128
characters is about the top end

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Michael Koerner
MS MVP - PowerPoint

> I'm a bit dumbfounded that PPT 2007 cannot handle a file name over about
> 25-30 characters. I haven't tested to find the exact limit. But if I try
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx?mid=32aa
2f06-cb7d-4dbe-a977-db57522aa8d1&dg=microsoft.public.powerpoint

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davision - 29 Jun 2007 21:34 GMT

After further frustration, it turns out it is not the length of the file
names. It's the use of a "space" character within the filename. It breaks
links upon packaging. That seems like a problem that should have been
resolved LONG ago.

> A lot depends on the OS as to the length of the path/file name. 128
> characters is about the top end
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> >
> > http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx?mid=32aa
2f06-cb7d-4dbe-a977-db57522aa8d1&dg=microsoft.public.powerpoint

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Steve Rindsberg - 29 Jun 2007 23:10 GMT

> After further frustration, it turns out it is not the length of the file
> names. It's the use of a "space" character within the filename. It breaks
> links upon packaging. That seems like a problem that should have been
> resolved LONG ago.

You're absolutely right.

And before I deliver my little sermon, yes, I do understand that it's not always under one's control ... you have
to work with what you're given sometimes. That said:

MS still doesn't ave spaces in file names working 100% (and they don't work at all on some non-Windows systems).
I've always figured it's safest to steer clear of spaces in filenames, or substitute underscores instead
Like_this.

Here endeth the sermon. And I still think you're right.

To help pin this down, what is it doing to the links? My guess is that it's taking this:

C:\Some folder\and under it\my file.ppt

and turning it into this:

C:\Some%20folder\and%20under%20it\my%20file.ppt

Does that seem to be the case? Start the show, hover the cursor over the link and it should show you the link.

> > A lot depends on the OS as to the length of the path/file name. 128
> > characters is about the top end
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> > > link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> > > click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx?mid=32aa
2f06-cb7d-4dbe-a977-db57522aa8d1&
dg=microsoft.public.powerpoint

-----------------------------------------
Steve Rindsberg, PPT MVP
PPT FAQ: www.pptfaq.com
PPTools: www.pptools.com
================================================

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