Cannot import a PPT file -- no way, no how!

Hi, here is an update to this issue:

Using an old laptop, I was able to import the problem PPT into Storyline 3 using the Import PowerPoint dialog. No problems there.

Transferred the resulting .story file back to my working computer, and was able to open in Storyline 360 without detecting any issues.

So, yay!, that's a workaround for my immediate need.

That said, there is still an issue with importing PowerPoints to any edition of Storyline on my working computer (Windows 10, latest Office, latest Storyline 3 and Storyline 360).

Just tested again after reinstalling Articulate 360 and Storyline 360, and received the usual error message.

Please advise regarding next steps!

Hey FS H! Sorry you're hitting so many roadblocks when importing a PowerPoint file into Storyline 360!

Does this problem happen when you import any PowerPoint file, or just one in particular?

If you're not sure, here's how you can test that:

• Open PowerPoint.
• Create 3-4 sample slides with text.
• Save the PowerPoint file to your desktop.
• Open Storyline 360.
• Import the PowerPoint slides. 

Let me know how it goes!

This is an issue with all PowerPoint files I've tried, in all versions of Storyline (2, 3, and 360) on this computer.

To test again, I followed the steps you've listed in your post, opened 360 and used the Import dialog from the start screen. 

Same error message.

Thanks for looking into it!

Hi FS,

You said you're using the "latest Office" - do you know what actual version that is? You'll need to use one of the supported versions for Storyline 360 of: 

Microsoft PowerPoint 2010-2019 (32-bit or 64-bit) or Microsoft Office 365 (desktop apps only) 

The full list of system requirements for Articulate 360 is here. 

If you're using Office 365, make sure you're using the Desktop apps installed on your computer, not one of the web-based versions.

Let me know if that sheds any light on the setup! 

Hi, here's what I'm seeing:

This is a desktop installation, not web-based.

I gave a close look at the system requirements and it appears that everything required there is on-board my computer.

You may be interested in these two items which appear to coincide with the reinstallation of MS Office on 6/9/19:

I upgraded to Office 365 in late May, and never encountered the no import issue before that.

Hoping for a fix SOON, because (of course!) now I have a rash of projects that depend on the Import PowerPoint workflow.

Thank you!

Thank you for sharing all those details and your troubleshooting, but I know this must be frustrating.

I've opened a support case on your behalf so that you can work 1:1 with a support engineer who can take a deeper dive into what the issue may be. 

I've shared the information you've posted here along with a direct link to this conversation as well.

You should be hearing from someone soon and I'm following along because now I'm curious too.

Great, Leslie! Thanks for setting that up.

I'm already in touch with the support engineer, and am ooohhh, so curious about what he comes up with!

Hi - I am wondering what came of this, as I have been able to do this in the past and am no longer able to.  I did create a small test PPT and it gave the same error.

I'm still working with an Articulate support engineer to resolve this issue.

Many hypotheses have been put forth and tested over the past couple of weeks, but  no fix has been found. Of course, I'm hoping for a solution soon!

May I suggest that you open a support ticket about your issue? This accomplishes three things:

1. Allows support to take a look at other computers where the same issue is present.

2. Communicates to Articulate that this issue is affecting multiple users.

3. Gives you a possible temporary workaround, as the engineer will likely cheerfully convert to SL any PPT you send to him/her.

Sorry that the news is not more positive!

Hi Paige,

I see where you were able to reach out to our support team as well and Gerald is working with you.