PowerPoint AppleScript presentations missing value error

Question

I'm trying to open and display a PowerPoint presentation via AppleScript.

If I run on a non-activated PowerPoint:

tell application "Microsoft PowerPoint"

open "PowerPointFile.pptx"

get presentations

end tell

I get an error:

missing value

If I run the above code on a activated PowerPoint I get the proper:

{presentation "PowerPointFile.pptx"}

Is this expected behavior for a non-activated PowerPoint's AppleScript functionality to be nonworking in such a way or is there another way to get all the open presentations?

Answer 1

Applescript aside, a non-activated copy of PPT that's gone past the end of the trial period will allow you to open presentations, view and print them but will not allow editing them in any way.  That would almost certainly include changing slide show setting/advance mode, but I don't have a trial version to test with.  Since you do, it'd be a good idea to see if you can manually make any of the changes you hope to automate.

Answer 2

Ok I guess the better question would be is a non-activated copy of PowerPoint supposed to be able to open and present a document?

If so then being able to get the presentation object via AppleScript and conversely being able to change the slide show settings, e.g., slide show type, advance mode, etc., should be possible.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

For any function to run properly on any Office installation (Mac or Windows), it would be best to run on an activated copy of Office (Office for Mac or Office for Windows).

You may run an activated copy of PowerPoint for Mac, Office for Mac to make use of the full range of benefits available with the version of Office.

Let us know if you need any other information or clarification.

Thank you.