PowerPoint found a problem with the content? Unable to view your presentation slides? Well, before the panic strikes your brain, we are here for the rescue!
This issue is quite common in almost all versions of PowerPoint. But the good thing is, you can easily get past this problematic issue by following a few workarounds.
In this post, we have listed a few solutions that will allow you to resolve the “PowerPoint found a problem with the content error” on Windows 10 devices.
But before we discuss the workarounds, let’s get a quick understanding of what’s causing this issue.
Also read: 5 Best Tips And Tricks For PowerPoint
What Causes “PowerPoint Found a Problem” Issue?
There are a couple of reasons that may trigger the “PowerPoint found a problem with the content” issue on your device.
- File is Blocked
If you’ve downloaded a PPT file from the web but your system blocks it due to any reason, then you may encounter a PowerPoint error. There are several instances where your system detects malicious content or potentially harmful malware that comes embedded with the file and thereby blocks you from accessing its content.
- File Location is Not Trusted
Due to security reasons, PowerPoint only allows you to access files from authentic publishers. If the location of the file is not a part of PowerPoint’s trusted list, it may abandon you from accessing it.
- File Stored in Synchronized Folders
Is your PowerPoint file stored in any of the synchronized folders like One Drive or DropBox? If yes, then yes, this may also be a probable cause of encountering the “PowerPoint found a problem with the content” issue.
Also read: 7 Best PowerPoint Alternatives Of 2021
How to Fix the “PowerPoint Found a Problem with the Content” Issue?
Here are a few fixes to deal with this common PowerPoint error on Windows devices.
1. Disable Protected Views
As we just mentioned above, PowerPoint only allows you to access files that are stored in the “Trusted Folder”. So, if you are not able to access your PPT file, you can try disabling the “Protected Views” security feature on PowerPoint that will allow you to bypass the potentially harmful content temporarily. Follow these quick steps to disable Protected Views on PowerPoint.
Launch PowerPoint application on your device, tap the “File” menu. Select “Options”.
Tap on the “Trusted Centers” button. Select “Trust Center Settings”.
In the Trust Center window, switch to the “Protected View” option from the left menu pane.
Uncheck all the security options. Tap on the OK button to save the recent changes.
After making the above-mentioned changes, try opening the PPT file again to check if the issue persists.
2. Add the File to PowerPoint Trust Folder
The next workaround that will allow you to deal with the “PowerPoint found a problem with the content” issue is by adding the file to PowerPoint’s Trusted folder. Here’s what you need to do.
Launch PowerPoint and open any PPT presentation.
Tap on the File Menu> Options> Trust Center> Trust Center Settings.
Tap on the “Add New Location” button.
Select the “Browse” option and specify the location of the file that you were unable to access.
By following these steps, your file will be added to PowerPoint’s Trusted folder.
Also read: How to Embed YouTube Videos in PowerPoint 2010
3. Remove the File from Synchronized Folder
If the PPT file that you’re trying to access is stored in any of the synchronized folders like OneDrive or DropBox. If yes, then follow these steps to remove the file from the synchronized folder.
Head on to the location where the PPT file is stored on your device.
Right-click on the file icon, select “Cut”.
Paste the file at any other location, other than OneDrive or DropBox storage folders.
Once the file location has been changed, try opening the PPT file again to check if you’re still facing the error.
Also read: How To Create A Timeline In Microsoft PowerPoint
4. Change the File Properties
Another workaround to get past the PowerPoint error explains how you can resolve the issue by unblocking it.
Browse to the file location, right-click on the PPT file, and select “Properties”.
Check on the “Unblock” option placed at the bottom.
Hit the OK and Apply button to save your recent changes.
After making the above-mentioned changes, try opening the PPT file again in the PowerPoint app to check if you’re able to access its contents.
5. Use Stellar File Repair
Tried all the above-listed troubleshooting hacks and still no luck? Unable to access your PPT file’s contents? Well, it must probably be because the PPT file that you’re trying to open might be corrupt. Wondering how to fix the corrupt file?
Download and install the Stellar File Repair tool on your Windows PC. The Stellar File Repair is a nifty, all-rounder file repair toolkit that fixes corrupt Microsoft applications and files including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF, and more.
Once the Stellar File Repair tool repairs the corrupt file, you will easily be able to get past the “PowerPoint found a problem with the content” error on Windows 10.
Lost Your PPT File? Download Advanced Disk Recovery to Restore your Data!
If you’ve lost your PPT file’s contents while troubleshooting the error, you can easily restore your lost file by using a third-party data recovery tool.
Download and install the Advanced Disk Recovery tool on your device to instantly recover lost/deleted/formatted data and files in just a few clicks. Advanced Disk Recovery works as a savior to restore lost data in any format, including pictures, audio, documents, and other files.
It does not just allow you to recover deleted data from disk drivers but also supports external storage media, including SSD, USB flash drive, CD/DVD, memory card, etc.
Have you ever used a data recovery tool to restore lost data? If yes, then which one? Do let us know about your favourite data recovery software. Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments space!