A user shared his problem on Reddit: "When I move the file from my downloads to a USB stick, it opens fine. However, it won't open from other folders on my laptop. I've read this could be an antivirus issue. I'm using Avast and have tried turning it off, but PowerPoint files still won't open. Other documents like Word and Excel open without any problems, and my classmates can open the file without issues. Thanks."
If PowerPoint cannot repair files, it can be tricky to solve, but don’t worry! You can get your PowerPoint files working again by understanding what might be causing the issue and trying some repair tools. Let's see how qualified these five tools are when you are in a situation where PowerPoint cannot repair files.
In this article
Part 1. Why PowerPoint Cannot Repair File Manually?
When PowerPoint cannot repair a file manually, it means the damage is serious. Here are some common causes:
- File Corruption. The PowerPoint file might be corrupted. This can happen due to unexpected shutdowns, improper saving, or issues during the transfer of files.
- Antivirus Interference. Sometimes, antivirus software can mistakenly block or interfere with the file. This might explain why moving the file to a USB stick and opening it works, as the antivirus may not be scanning external drives as rigorously.
- Compatibility Issues. If the file was created in a different version of PowerPoint or on a different operating system, compatibility issues might prevent it from opening.
- File Path Issues. Sometimes, the length or structure of the file path where the PowerPoint is saved can cause issues. Moving the file to a different location, like the root directory of a drive, might solve the problem.
- Insufficient Permissions. If the file or the folder where it’s stored has restricted permissions, PowerPoint might be unable to access and repair it.
- Software Bugs. Occasionally, bugs within PowerPoint itself can prevent files from being repaired or opened. Keeping your software up to date can help mitigate this issue.
Part 2. How to Fix PowerPoint Cannot Repair File Error?
When you encounter the "PowerPoint Cannot Repair File" error, it is a problem, especially if manual repair is not effective. Fortunately, there are several tools available that can help you fix this issue.
1. Repairit PPT File Repair
![ppt repair tool](https://images.wondershare.com/recoverit/images2019/video-repair/video-repair-box-lg.png)
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Repair damaged files with all levels of corruption, including blank files, files not opening, unrecognizable format, unreadable content, files layout changed, etc.
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Repair all PowerPoint objects included in the corrupted PPT files, such as tables, header and footer, charts etc.
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Perfectly repair corrupted files with a very high success rate, without modifying the original file.
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Compatible with PowerPoint files of 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 and Office 365.
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Support Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, and macOS 10.10~macOS 14.
Repairit PPT File Repair is a tool designed to fix corrupted PowerPoint files. It is known for its user-friendly interface and high success. Repairit PPT File Repair, a reliable PowerPoint file recovery tool, features an easy-to-use interface and a high success rate in restoring corrupted files, giving you the confidence that your files are in safe hands.
Fix Repairit PPT File Fixer When PowerPoint Cannot Repair Files
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2. PowerPoint Repair Toolbox
![powerpoint repair toolbox](https://images.wondershare.com/repairit/article/powerpoint-cannot-repair-file-1.jpg)
Another successful option to fix corrupted PowerPoint files is PowerPoint Repair Toolbox. It is equipped to correct several issues and support different file formats. It is user-friendly and, hence, suitable for those who may not be tech-savvy.
3. Recoveryfix for PowerPoint Recovery
![recoveryfix for powerpoint recovery](https://images.wondershare.com/repairit/article/powerpoint-cannot-repair-file-2.jpg)
Recoveryfix for PowerPoint Recovery is an exceptionally effective utility that will help recover everything in your PPT file, including text, images, and tables. This will assist in recovering the file and can only be right since it demonstrates a preview of what the Recoveryfix has recovered.
4. PowerPoint Repair Kit
![powerpoint repair kit](https://images.wondershare.com/repairit/article/powerpoint-cannot-repair-file-3.jpg)
PowerPoint Repair Kit is designed to repair corrupted PowerPoint files quickly and efficiently. It can open corrupted PowerPoint presentation files and recover important elements such as slides, text, images, and embedded media, which are saved to a separate folder on your hard drive. This Microsoft PPT file repair tool is very user-friendly, requiring minimal input—just the path and name of the damaged file.
5. S2 Recovery Tools for Microsoft PowerPoint
![powerpoint repair kit](https://images.wondershare.com/repairit/article/powerpoint-cannot-repair-file-4.jpg)
S2 Recovery Tools for MS PowerPoint is an open-source program that provides Microsoft recovery methods for PPT files. It also includes four unique recovery methods: two for text and slides and two for format recovery in PPTX files. These methods repair all salvageable XML subfiles and the overall ZIP structure of the presentations.
Using one of these tools, you can overcome the "PowerPoint Cannot Repair File" error and restore your presentations to their original state.
Part 3. How to Avoid PPT Corruption Next Time?
To prevent your PowerPoint files from getting corrupted in the future, follow these simple yet effective tips:
- Use AutoRecover. Enable the AutoRecover feature in PowerPoint. This will automatically save copies of your presentation regularly, so you can restore it if something goes wrong.
- Keep Your Software Updated. Ensure that both your PowerPoint software and operating system are up-to-date. Updates often include important fixes that can prevent file corruption.
- Properly Close PowerPoint. Always close PowerPoint properly by using the "File" > "Exit" option or the close button. Avoid shutting down your computer while PowerPoint is still running.
- Backup Your Files. Regularly back up your PowerPoint files to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or secure location. This way, you always have a copy in case the original file gets corrupted.
- Check for Viruses. Ensure your computer is protected by reliable antivirus software, and scan your system regularly. Viruses can cause file corruption.
- Avoid Untrusted Add-Ins. Only use trusted add-ins and plugins with PowerPoint. Unverified add-ins can cause instability and corruption issues.
Conclusion
If PowerPoint cannot repair files and can't be repaired manually, the only option is to use software tools. This article can help you choose the tool that meets your needs. Ensure your software is up-to-date and regularly back up your work to prevent future issues.
FAQ
Can these tools repair any type of PowerPoint file?
Most tools support formats like PPT, PPTX, PPS, and PPSX. Check the tool specifications for exact compatibility.Are these tools free to use?
Some tools offer free versions with limited features, while others require a purchase for full functionality.What should I do if my file is too large to repair quickly?
Consider splitting the content into smaller files or using a tool that supports batch repair to save time.