Knowledge Base

PPT: Importing MatLab Graphics into PowerPoint Causes Error

Article ID: 124022

Article Last Modified on 8/16/2005


APPLIES TO


This article was previously published under Q124022

SYMPTOMS

In PowerPoint, when you insert a MatLab Windows Metafile Format (WMF) graphic created in MatLab version 4.2c.1, you may receive the following error message:
PP4 caused a General Protection Fault in POWERPNT.DLL at XXXX:XXXX.
NOTE: You do not receive the error message if you export the file from MatLab in HPGL format and then import it into PowerPoint, although the image may appear garbled.

CAUSE

The MatLab WMF is incompatible with PowerPoint's internal WMF filter. The Windows metafile is imported without error into Microsoft Word 6.0, although MatLab's documentation says to expect problems with the object's colors.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use the following steps:
  1. In Outline view, click the slide containing the graphic image.
  2. On the Edit menu, click Delete Slide. This should correct the error in the file.
  3. Save the graphic in MatLab as a GIF file. This is an 8-bit bitmap that you can successfully import into PowerPoint.
NOTE: Bitmaps can be resized and cropped in PowerPoint, but they cannot be converted to PowerPoint objects, or edited or rotated in PowerPoint.

MORE INFORMATION

The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words: 4.00 4.00a 4.00c 7.00 97 8.00 powerpnt word 6.0 winppt ppt95 ppt97 matlab wmf gif gpf gp fault insert picture Graphics

Keywords: kberrmsg kbprb kb3rdparty kbgraphic KB124022