Hope this is the right forum for a PPT question...  This should be simple.  First time trying to automate PowerPoint...

I add a Shape/Action Button.  In the Action Settings, Mouse Click dialog, I select "Run macro" and select a macro that exists in the project.

When I run the slideshow and click the button, the code/sub/function never fires.  I have included basic code, like a MsgBox or InputBox, jut to get a visible reaction, but nothing.  If I run in Debug and set a breakpoint in the called routine, it never hits the first line of the Sub.

The MouseClick is recognized.  If I associate a sound with the event, in the settings dialog for the button, the sound plays.  Just no code running.

Hi CBS3,

 

Have you verified the macro security settings in PowerPoint (you didn’t mention which version you’re using)?

 

What you’re describing could be that you have your macro security set to disable all macros without notification, in which case you won't get any warnings when macros are disabled.

 

In my tests, using PowerPoint 2007 with your repro steps - when macros were disabled without notification, I still got the sound when clicking the Action button, but not the MsgBox “hello” as the macros were disabled.

 

Please verify your current macro security settings for PowerPoint and if needed, try changing the setting to a different security level and test again.

 

Below are some topics for Office/PowerPoint 2007. (2010 settings would be similar)

Here’s a help topic to manage the security level for Office 2007 applications.

Enable or disable macros in Office documents

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint-help/enable-or-disable-macros-in-office-documents-HA010031071.aspx#BM14

 

Also, here’s another topic on how to change Message Bar settings.

Enable or disable security alerts on the Message Bar

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/enable-or-disable-security-alerts-on-the-message-bar-HA010080606.aspx?CTT=1#BM3

 

In PowerPoint 2007/2010, verify your current setting; and if needed try changing the level to:
“Show the Message Bar in all applications when document content has been blocked”

 

Office 2003 topic

Understanding Macro Security Levels in Office

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/office-2003-resource-kit/understanding-macro-security-levels-in-office-HA001140318.aspx?CTT=1

 

In PowerPoint 2003, the navigation to change the macro security level is Tools > Macros > Security

 

I hope this info helps.

 

Best regards,

Bill

 

• Proposed as answer by Bill Go - MSFTMicrosoft employee Thursday, January 13, 2011 12:27 AM
• Marked as answer by CBS3 Thursday, January 13, 2011 3:04 PM

Make sure the macro is defined as public, a la

Public Sub MyMacro()

   MsgBox "This should work where Private Sub MyMacro() would not"

End Sub

 I Have the Exact same problem in Powerpoint 2010 as mentioned by the above user - in my instance the trust center is set up exactly as mentioned above with correct security settings "disable macros with notification"-  the Macro is entitled Public Sub MyMacro()    exactly as mentioned above, I also separately tried to get the program to give a drum roll instead of running the macro- that didn't work either - For some reason I cant assign any actions to the action button... I believe there must be some other setting that is causing this, I don't believe any of these solutions work.