Copy/paste/format are not stable in PowerPoint

Question

Hi,

I am running into a frustrating problem with PowerPoint. The copy/paste/format option turns grey and becomes disabled a few minutes after restarting the program. Besides, the enter button to add a slide is also disabled, so I have to use the option "new slide" and add it manually. Another problem that popped up recently is that I cannot copy a slide from one PP presentation and then paste it into another PP presentation. Also, I cannot change the fonts and font size. To solve the problem, I need to close the presentation and then open it again.

I am using Mac and the problem started around three weeks ago. I tried different repair methods: I deleted the program and install it again. I saved a presentation on my computer and also on OneDrive. I deleted all add-ons. None of these methods worked, sadly! :-(

I have to say that I, sometimes, continue working on the slide despite the problems and all of the sudden, I can control everything . A few moments later, I cannot. And so on.

Any help?

Thanks,

Marwa

Answer 1

Dear Marwa,

Welcome to the forum here.

From your description, it seems that the issue happens intermittently in your environment.

If it is convenient, I suggest you first try the following to completely clear the credentials and reset the PowerPoint for Mac application and then do a test to see if the issue persists in your environment.

a. Close all Office for Mac applications and back up all Office files.

b. From Finder Go/Go to Folder (Shift+Cmd+G).

c. Enter "~/Library/Containers" and press Go (Return key).

d. Find the "com.microsoft.powerpoint.mac" folder. If you are using Big Sur or later, find the Microsoft PowerPoint folder.

e. Select and delete that folder using File/Move to Trash (Cmd+Delete).

f. Delete this folder: ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office (back up the folder in advance).

g. Open Spotlight by selecting the magnifying glass at the top right of your desktop.

h. Search for and open Keychain.

i. In the search field, enter adal.

j. Select all items whose type is MicrosoftOffice15_2_Data:ADAL:<GUID>, and then press Delete.（Please note that the two Office credential caches must be hidden. To unhide the 2 caches, click on "show visible items" in the "Keychain" menu top bar (keychain -> view -> "show visible items") Once the hidden items are visible, search for "Office" and you will see below 2 items listed.）

k. In the search field, enter office.

l. Select the items that are named Microsoft Office Identities Cache 3 and Microsoft Office Identities Settings 3, and then press Delete.

m. Quit Keychain Access.

n. Navigate to <YourUserName>Library > Group Containers.

o. Find the folders below and move them to Trash.

UBF8T346G9.ms

UBF8T346G9.Office

UBF8T346G9.OfficeOsfWebHost

Warning: Outlook data will be removed when you move the three folders listed in this step to Trash. You should back up these folders before you delete them.

p. Restart the Mac.

Meanwhile, please provide the version number of the PowerPoint for Mac application and the Mac operating system you are using on your Mac for our reference as well.

Thanks for your effort and time.

Cliff