Tips to open POTM file

Can't open the POTM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open POTM files as well as a list of programs that support POTM files.

POTM file extension

File Name PowerPoint Open XML Macro-Enabled Presentation Template
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Data Files

The POTM file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the POTM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the POTM file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is POTM file?

The file with the extension POTM is the Data Files file type. It was designed by Microsoft. Additionally, the Data Files category contains 1326 of other files. PowerPoint Open XML Macro-Enabled Presentation Template appears on 2 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The main program that supports this format is PowerPoint. This was created by Microsoft Corporation. Alternatively, you can use 4 other programs. You can use Microsoft Office, NeoOffice, Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer in case PowerPoint cannot be used.

How to open POTM file?

The most common problem when using PowerPoint Open XML Macro-Enabled Presentation Template is that a specific POTM is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open POTM, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the POTM file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install PowerPoint

The first step is to check if the computer has the PowerPoint program installed. To do this, enter the name PowerPoint into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file POTM with PowerPoint. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open POTM files.

Step 2. Create association of PowerPoint with POTM files

If, despite the installed application, the POTM file does not start in the PowerPoint application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the POTM file with the PowerPoint program.

Step 3. Update PowerPoint to the latest version

If, however, after binding PowerPoint with PowerPoint Open XML Macro-Enabled Presentation Template there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Microsoft Corporation website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the POTM file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The POTM file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to POTM files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file POTM or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected POTM files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the POTM file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair POTM file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file POTM except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the POTM file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the POTM file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the POTM file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.