The "ppta" file - How do I extract audio data?

Mar 09, 2011

Randy Borum
By Randy Borum

OK starting from the assumption that I'm an idiot and may have created a "known problem," I could really use some guidance.  Here's the story:

I created and published a a course module. Fine & dandy.

Then I updated the PowerPoint (PPTX) - but ... wait for it ... I re-named it.

Then I realized the possible error of my ways and re-re-named it back to the original that has the same name as the ppta file.

BUT - apparently my act of re-re-naming contrition did not appease the Articulate gods (the uppercase ones are on THIS forum, of course).

My PowerPoint file had apparently dis-associated itself from the original ppta file (citing "irreconcilable differences").  So when I went to sync animations and check the recorded audio ... I get nothin'  - nada.

Which brings me here to the Articulate Oracle (eLearning Heroes) in search of a miracle ...

1.  Is there a way to re-associate my PPTX and ppta files?

2.  If not, is there any way to extract the audio data from the original ppta file?

I'm open to any wise, experienced or harebrained ideas at this point... or is this a "DYS" (Dude, You're Screwed) error?

10 Replies
Brian Batt
13 years ago03/09/11 at 1:24 pm (UTC)

Hi Randy,

To reassociate a PowerPoint file with a PPTA file, just make sure that the file names match.  For example, if your presentation is test1.pptx, make sure the PPTA file is called test1.ppta.  You'll also want to make sure that the presentation file and the PPTA file are in the same location. 

For more information on the relationship between the PowerPoint and PPTA files, see the link below:

http://www.articulate.com/support/presenter09/kb/?p=1098

Randy Borum
13 years ago03/09/11 at 1:42 pm (UTC)

Brian - Thanks for the lifeline.  I get what you're saying - and that's exactly what I tried (based on my limited understanding of the pptx/ppta relationships).  I gave them the exact same name.  And they are sitting side by side in the same folder.  But I still can't get the ppta file to associate.

Possible complication?? - When I revised the PowerPoint file, I did use a newer version of PowerPoint.  Would that have made a difference, you think? If so, anyway 'round it?

Brian Batt
13 years ago03/09/11 at 2:15 pm (UTC)

Hi Randy,

I would suggest you submit a case by following the steps below.

Please ZIP your entire directory (including the PowerPoint and PPTA files).  Then, upload the resulting zip file from your computer to our server using this upload form: 

Articulate Support - Upload Your Files for Review 

Please be sure to include a description of your issue, your version of PowerPoint, version of Windows and version of Presenter '09 which you can find in Help and Support -> About Articulate Presenter. Please also include the URL for this thread so we can follow up with you in the forums.

Randy Borum
13 years ago03/09/11 at 2:45 pm (UTC)

Thanks Brian - I will try to follow those instructions exactly.

Here's an odd thing - possibly related - I clicked on the Articulate ribbon - it open t the task bar as usual.  The Help and Support menu dropped drown, as usual, but when I click on Articulate Presenter (or any of those menu commands) nothing happens.

Now the PPT 2010 was just recently installed on my machine - is there a reason it might be displaying the menu but not responding to commands?

Brian Batt
13 years ago03/09/11 at 2:51 pm (UTC)

Hi Randy,

It sounds like you don't have Visual Basic for Applications installed:

http://www.articulate.com/support/presenter09/kb/?p=124

See the "Install Visual Basic for Applications in Microsoft Office" section in the link above.  If that doesn't resolve the issue after restarting your machine, be sure to follow the other instructions in the same link.

Randy Borum
13 years ago03/09/11 at 3:17 pm (UTC)

Brian:

You're a genius!

That was it.  After doing that the menu functioned and the files re-associated.  Actually it created a new ppta - but all the data were there.

If I do want to update the names - will it work OK if I just leave the files where they are and change the names in the explorer window - or should I do it another way?

Thanks again!

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