Seeing the error message “PowerPoint found a problem with the content” when trying to open a PowerPoint presentation can be frustrating. This issue prevents you from accessing your important files and slides.

Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to fix this PowerPoint error and successfully open your presentations again. This step-by-step guide will walk you through 6 proven solutions.

Step 1: Disable Protected View in Trust Center Settings

Protected View is a security feature in PowerPoint that isolates files downloaded from the internet or attachments. This prevents potentially malicious files from harming your computer.

However, Protected View can sometimes cause the “PowerPoint found a problem with content” error message.

To disable Protected View:

Open PowerPoint and click File > Options.

Click Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
Uncheck all boxes under Protected View.
Click OK to save changes and close PowerPoint.

Now try opening your presentation again. Disabling Protected View often resolves this issue.

Step 2: Unblock the PowerPoint File

If your presentation file is blocked, PowerPoint may show the content error when trying to open it.

To unblock a file:

Locate the PowerPoint file on your computer.
Right-click the file and select Properties.
On the General tab, click the Unblock button.

Click OK to save changes.

Unblocking the file this way eliminates restrictions and allows PowerPoint to open it successfully.

Step 3: Repair the PowerPoint File

When you see the “PowerPoint found a problem” error dialog, there is an option to click Repair.

Try this built-in repair option first. PowerPoint will scan the presentation file and fix any corrupted elements.

When the error dialog pops up, click Repair.
PowerPoint will attempt to repair the file.

After the repair completes, try opening your presentation again.

In many cases, PowerPoint can automatically repair issues with presentation content and make it accessible again.

Step 4: Recover Previous Versions from Backup

If your file is heavily corrupted, you may need to restore an older unaffected backup version that still opens properly.

PowerPoint automatically saves versions of your presentations over time. You can access these backups:

Right-click on the file and select Properties.
Go to the Previous Versions tab.

Click through the available versions and select one created before the “PowerPoint found a problem” error appeared.
Click Restore to overwrite your file with the previous good version.

Now test opening the restored backup copy of your presentation.

Step 5: Move File out of Sync Folder

If your PowerPoint file is saved in a synced cloud folder like OneDrive or Dropbox, try moving it out of that folder onto your local hard drive instead.

Sync software can sometimes interfere with PowerPoint’s ability to open files properly. To rule out sync issues:

Copy the presentation file out of your OneDrive/Dropbox folder onto your desktop or a local documents folder.

Try opening the file again from its new location.

If PowerPoint can now open the presentation, the culprit was sync software conflicts. Storing the file locally should prevent further issues.

Step 6: Use Data Recovery Software

If you have exhausted all other options without success, specialized data recovery software provides one last resort to fix the “PowerPoint found a problem with content” error and regain access to your presentations.

Advanced tools like Stellar Repair for PowerPoint can scan your presentation files and repair even heavy corruption issues. This software reconstructs damaged elements that cause the error message so PowerPoint can open your file again.

Follow these 6 methods to troubleshoot and resolve the frustrating “PowerPoint found a problem with content” error when it prevents you from opening important presentation files. In most cases, one of these solutions will successfully restore access so you can view your PowerPoint slides once more.