PPT97: Sample Code to Create Backup Presentations

• Microsoft PowerPoint 97 for Windows
• Microsoft PowerPoint 98 Macintosh Edition

SUMMARY

This article provides two sample Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications macros (Sub procedures) that create a backup of the current presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint. The first sample macro generates a backup using a random file name. The second sample macro prompts the user for a file name. Both samples save the file with a .bak extension in the program folder.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without warranty either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This article assumes that you are familiar with the programming language being demonstrated and the tools used to create and debug procedures. Microsoft support engineers can help explain the functionality of a particular procedure, but they will not modify these examples to provide added functionality or construct procedures to meet your specific needs. If you have limited programming experience, you may want to contact the Microsoft fee-based consulting line at (800) 936-5200. For more information about the support options available from Microsoft, please see the following page on the World Wide Web:

   http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/refguide/default.asp

Sample 1: Saves Backup with Random File Name

   Sub Backup()
      Dim lngNumber As Long
      Dim strString As String
      Dim strFile As String
      Dim strFileName As String
      Dim strPath As String

      ' Generates random number.
      lngNumber = Int(Rnd * 100000)
      ' Converts number to a string.
      strString = Str(lngNumber)
      ' Removes blank space from first of number.
      strFile = Mid(strString, 2, 5)
      ' Adds first two letters and extension to file name.
      strFileName = "Bk" & strFile & ".bak"
      ' Determines path where PowerPoint is stored.
      strPath = Application.Path
      ' Saves file with random name and .bak extension.
      ActivePresentation.SaveAs FileName:=strPath & "\" & strFileName
   End Sub

Sample 2: Prompts User for File Name for Backup

   Sub Backup()
      Dim strFile As String
      Dim strFileName As String
      Dim strPath As String

      ' Prompts for file name.
      strFile = InputBox("Please enter a file name." & chr(13) _
                         & "Spaces may not work correctly.")
      ' Adds extension to file name.
      strFileName = strFile & ".bak"
      ' Determines path where PowerPoint is stored.
      strPath = Application.Path
      ' Saves file with the name you input and .bak extension.
      ActivePresentation.SaveAs FileName:=strPath & "\" & strFileName
   End Sub

REFERENCES

For more information about creating Visual Basic for Applications macros, click the Office Assistant in Microsoft PowerPoint, type "how to create a macro," click Search, and then click to view "Create a macro in Visual Basic Editor."

For more information about running Visual Basic for Applications macros, click the Office Assistant in Microsoft PowerPoint, type "how to run a macro," click Search, and then click to view "Run a macro."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If the Assistant is not able to answer your query, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q176476
   TITLE     : OFF: Office Assistant Not Answering Visual Basic Questions

   ARTICLE-ID: Q163435
   TITLE     : VBA: Programming Resources for Visual Basic for
               Applications