Changing default template background image size

Question

Using PowerPoint 2010, I have opened the template located here:

New > PowerPoint presentations and slides >  Demo Presentations > Introducing PowerPoint 2010 presentation

And next, I changed the format to 16:9.

The text remains fine, however the images attached to the backgrounds are skewed to the new 16:9 format. For example, circles are no longer perfect circles but rather look elongated  as illustrated in this screenprint.

I can select the text in the slides with no trouble and correct any font sizing issues, but the background/images appear to be locked in some way that prevents me from editing them. I am unable to restore the elipse to a perfect circle.

How do I adjust images to so that their appearance looks correct?

Thanks

Answer 1

Unfortunately, there isn't an easy way to do this.

Create a new slide show that's 16:9 with your template

Copy and paste all your content (not your slides) to slides in the new presentation.

And yes, I know it's a PITA.

The technique is described better here:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/office/forum/office_2010-powerpoint/is-there-a-way-to-convert-a-43-formatted/27f04837-a405-48ab-a683-c6b155ba4a63

I also found this novel approach:

http://blog.cgeier.at/convert-a-43-ppt-slide-deck-into-a-169-aspect