Add-in to insert movies using Windows Media Player is available for PowerPoint

Microsoft has created a Microsoft PowerPoint add-in that allows you to insert movies for Microsoft Windows Media Player into your presentation.

PowerPoint does not allow you to insert certain types of movie files directly if there are no available Media Control Interface (MCI) extensions for that type of movie. However, you can play these movies outside PowerPoint in Windows Media Player (versions 6.4 and 7.0), if there is a proper 32-bit codec.

This add-in automates the process that is described in the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Minimum Requirements

This add-in has the following minimum system and software requirements:

• Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 or later
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later
• Microsoft Windows Media Player 6.4 through 8.0

Note This add-in will not work with Microsoft Windows Media Player version 9.0.

How to Obtain the Add-in

The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

Download the public/EN-US/Download.gif package now. (http://download.microsoft.com/download/powerpoint2002/utility/1/w9x2kmexp/en-us/wmp_ppt.exe)
For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help to prevent any unauthorized changes to the file. When you double-click the Wmp_ppt.exe file, it extracts the Wmp.ppa file to the folder that you select. Microsoft recommends that you put the Wmp.ppa file in the following folder: Note The macro security must be set to medum to setup the add-in. If you currently have the macro security settings set to high, you will not be able install the add-in. To change the macro security setting, follow these steps:

1. Start PowerPoint.
2. On the Tools menu, point to Macro, and then click Security.
3. In the Security dialog box, click Medium, and then click OK.

When you start PowerPoint, you will be warned that the presentation contains a macro, if you click the Enable Macros button, the macro will run as expected.

How to Set Up the Add-in

To set up the add-in, follow these steps:

1. Start PowerPoint.
   
   If you see the startup dialog box, click Cancel.
2. On the Tools menu, click Add-Ins.
3. Click Add New.
4. Locate, and then click the Wmp.ppa file.
   
   Click OK.
5. Click "I AGREE" to load the add-in

How to Access the Add-in

After the add-in is installed, you can access it. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Start PowerPoint.
2. Open the presentation where you want to insert a movie.
3. On the Insert menu, selct Movies and Sounds, and then select Movie using Windows Media Player.
4. Locate the movie that you want to use.
5. Select the options that you want to be included.
6. Click Finish.

Important Information

Please read the following important notes concerning the PowerPoint Insert Movies Using Windows Media Player Add-in:

• This add-in is not supported by Microsoft Technical Support. You must use this add-in at your own risk.
• The movies are linked, not embedded in the presentation.
• PowerPoint does not control the links, the Windows Media Player control does. As a result if you use the Pack And Go feature, the movies are not packed with the rest of the presentation.
• The links created by the Windows Media Player control are considered "fragile" links, which means that if you move, rename, or delete a linked movie, the movie will no longer play during a slide show.
• Because the PowerPoint Viewer 97/2000 does not support embedded controls, this add-in will not play an inserted movie within the PowerPoint Viewer.
• Because of the nature of the Windows Media Player control, no preview of your movie is visible on the slide; instead, the Windows Media Player logo is visible.