automator record function problem in PowerPoint

[kistonewa]

Using PowerPoint for Mac 2008 with updates 12.2.0. Mac OS X 10.5.8
I can't get the record function in Automator to work. The list of commands
recorded is:

Click "Microsoft PowerPoint" in the Dock
Click the "Insert" menu.
Duplicate Slide.

The Click "Microsoft PowerPoint" in the Dock works correctly.
The next line returns the error:
The action “Watch Me Do†encountered an error.
Check the actionʼs properties and try running the workflow again.

I get a similar error trying to use Automators record function in Word. I
have no problem using it in my other nonOffice programs. What do I need to
do differently?
Thank you
ken