Forum Discussion

Helen_Tardibuono's avatar
Helen_Tardibuono
Copper Contributor
Nov 10, 2022

How do I turn off read only mode in Powerpoint

Hi,    I have been working on a PowerPoint presentation slideshow.  I have been using the same PowerPoint for the last 7 years ie adding new slides each year.  However, this year It's not letting m...
General
SandroFigueiredo's avatar
SandroFigueiredo
Brass Contributor
Nov 10, 2022
Hi Helen,

Have you tried the following:
1 -Click File > Info.
2 - Review the Presentations status.
3 - Right-click File > Properties.
4 - Uncheck read-only.

If yes, and still the same status, please share a screenshot so the community can assist.
  • ShannonM1690's avatar
    ShannonM1690
    Copper Contributor
    Mar 02, 2023

    SandroFigueiredo 
    A client sent me several files via email.  They were all created in PPT.  I have One Drive. I cannot edit the file.  I cannot turn on edit access. They say they have not locked it.  What do I do?  I need step by step instructions.  when I go file>info everything is grayed out and there are no options to enable editing.
    The red viewing button at the top right says Viewing (make no changes) and editing is grayed out.  It does give me an option to Open in Desktop App. When I do that, I still can't edit.  
    Please rescue me from this hell. 

    • KristinaMishra's avatar
      KristinaMishra
      Copper Contributor
      Mar 10, 2023

      ShannonM1690 

      I think you need to turn it off in OneDrive. If you can see your OneDrive folders in File Explorer, right click on the folder and choose "show more options" and then "properties" (some versions of windows will just have properties). On the General tab, unchecked the box labeled "Read-only". You may get a pop-up about applying to subfolders - you should probably choose yes. Then click. Ok. Restart PowerPoint and open the doc again. 

      HtH,

      Kristina

  • IanPogs's avatar
    IanPogs
    Copper Contributor
    Jun 14, 2023

    SandroFigueiredo I have the same error  "An error occurred while saving this PowerPoint" from a user while saving a PowerPoint. It is showing in the PPT info that it is a read only. But on the file properties it is not read only. 

    • SandroFigueiredo's avatar
      SandroFigueiredo
      Brass Contributor
      Aug 25, 2023

      IanPogs  have you tried following the steps provided in previous reply? (Apologies for my late response). 

      If it does not work, another would be from File > Save As > Download a copy (ppt)

      • JarekT's avatar
        JarekT
        Copper Contributor
        Oct 03, 2024

        I have the same issue. I get the error 

        When trying to save.

         

        I used this computer a lot for Powerpoint presentation and my licensed Microsoft® PowerPoint® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2407 Build 16.0.17830.20210) 64-bit seem to work fine. The issue was caused I believe because the file at some point was copied from read-only memory stick.

         

        Things I tried:

        1. Save modified file in "documents" folder on my PC - I am getting errors
        2. Save file in a different location or under different name - same errors
        3. Go to File / Info and change read-only status - unable to do 
        4. Create blank new file, make sure is not read-only and copy the content - same error
        5.  Create blank file, save it, copy slides one by one while saving - worked initially but then switched to read-only status
        6. Save as PowerPoint 97-2003 presentation (.ppt) - worked but attempt to save .ppt file as .pptx failed

Resources