inconsistant MCI error

[Jeffrey Falk]

If I open an existing PPT file with video files in it, go to that particular
slide and run the video there is no problem. If I create a new PPT, insert
the same video clip and play it, when it reaches the end or I try to <esc> I
get the MCI ERROR: the specified device is now being closed, wait a few
seconds and then try again. PPT hangs and will not close unless I use the
Task MGR. I checked the suggestions in Echo's Voice and have had no results.
MS knowledge base is not much help. I have not added any new video editing
software to my laptop. Any further suggestions would be appreciated. Thank
you.

 

[PPTMagician]

Hi Jeff,

Is it a single video clip? or does this happen with all video clips. Was
the original presentation created in a different version of PPT? And the
crucial question, have you installed SP-1 for PPT 2003?

Glenna

 

[Jeffrey Falk]

It happens with all video clips.
The presentations were created with the same version of PPT
SP-1 is installed.

I believe I found the solution early this AM.
I had installed in both machines a PPT add in for animations. Although this
was not for video authoring it was a new upgrade. When I uninstalled it, the
MCI error problem vanished.
I'm in the middle of a dialog with the software's developers. As happens
many times with a new upgrade, there are bugs. I will definitely report back
to the group as soon
as this particular problem is resolved, hopefully in the next few days
Thank you so much with help on troubleshooting.

 

[PPTMagician]

Thanks for letting us know, Jeff. Pleasse keep us posted.

Glenna

 

[ericwhudson]

I have a very similar problem to Mr. Falk. If I try to view a movie i
Normal mode (not full screen) I get the error:

MCI ERROR: the specified device is now being closed, wait a few second
and then try again. PPT hangs and will not close unless I use the Tas
MGR.

I have gone through the Echo's Voic
suggestions(http://www.echosvoice.com/tshoot_video2.htm) and confirme
that my registry is as listed in the Myer
FAQ(http://www.soniacoleman.com/Tutorials/PowerPoint/multimedia.htm).
I know that this didn't happen a year ago, but it happens on all movie
now, both in old PPT documents and new ones. Since its been a yea
since I tried this I'd prefer not to rip back through restore point
since there are probably a huge number of them since then.

I'm running PPT2003 under WinXP, both fully updated as of 1/10/05. I'
running on a Dell Latitude Laptop (ATI Mobility card).

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer. Classes start in
couple weeks (I'm a professor and use PowerPoint in class) so I a
getting a little desperate