The preview image is fuzzy or jagged in the File Open dialog box in PowerPoint 2007, PowerPoint 2003, and PowerPoint 2002

When you click Open on the File menu, and then look through your presentations in the File Open dialog box, the preview image in the Preview pane appears fuzzy or jagged.

Because of changes in how the preview image is saved in Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007, in Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003, and in Microsoft PowerPoint 2002, the preview image File Open dialog box is more difficult to read than in PowerPoint 2000 and earlier versions.

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
To work around this behavior, follow the steps for your version of PowerPoint.

PowerPoint 2007

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2. Locate and then click the following key in the registry:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\PowerPoint\Options
3. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD value.
4. Type Preview Picture Precision, and then press ENTER.
5. On the Edit menu, click Modify.
6. Click Decimal in the Base area.
7. Type 320, and then click OK.
8. Exit Registry Editor.

PowerPoint 2003

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2. Locate and then click the following key in the registry:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\PowerPoint\Options
3. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD value.
4. Type Preview Picture Precision, and then press ENTER.
5. On the Edit menu, click Modify.
6. Click Decimal in the Base area.
7. Type 320, and then click OK.
8. Exit Registry Editor.

PowerPoint 2002

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2. Locate and then click the following key in the registry:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\10.0\PowerPoint\Options
3. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD value.
4. Type Preview Picture Precision, and then press ENTER.
5. On the Edit menu, click Modify.
6. Click Decimal in the Base area.
7. Type 320, and then click OK.
8. Exit Registry Editor.

The default value for Preview Picture Precision is the decimal value 160. This registry change doubles the size of the preview image. This increases the image quality.

Note This registry key is documented in the Regkey.xls file included in the Office Resource Kit.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.