Microsoft PowerPoint 2007

Hacking

The ppt file is actually a compressed archive using pkzip containing a number of xml and mostly image media. Using the vim editor it is possible to open the ppt file and navigate though the various xml files, select one, and successfully make an edit. One notable example of a useful edit is to correct the path to what is called "External" media such as embedded video and audio within the PowerPoint presentation.

For example, an embedded sound within the PowerPoint only works when the presentation is launched from the source computer or LAN. To make it portable, all specific paths need to be altered so that they are relative. Take note of this network path:

Target="file:///H:\My%20Documents\MHA%20Program\Capstone\week%2010\pack\Hospital_AlarmFatigue05.wav"

When the PowerPoint presentation is launched from another computer outside of the creator's own private network, the media file will not execute. In other words, there will be no sound.

Using the vim editor the original ppt file is opened, then the slide with the media is selected via cursor navigation and the XML is edited.

Target="file:///Hospital_AlarmFatigue05.wav"

Then the XML is saved, the container saved, and quit the vim editor. The ppt is not corrupted and the PowerPoint presentation is able to use the audio file as long as it is present in the same directory as the ppt file, no matter what computer (within parameters).