Microsoft PowerPoint is a popular presentation software used by millions of people worldwide. However, sometimes users encounter error 1706 when trying to open PowerPoint. This error prevents you from accessing your important presentations, causing frustration.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about PowerPoint error 1706, including what causes it, how to fix it, and preventative steps you can take.
What Causes Error 1706 in PowerPoint?
Error 1706 occurs because of various reasons, such as:
- Corrupt PowerPoint installation: A damaged Office installation or corrupt PowerPoint files can trigger this error.
- Outdated drivers: Outdated, broken, or incompatible graphics card drivers often lead to error 1706.
- Virus/malware infection: Viruses and malware can modify or delete PowerPoint files resulting in error 1706.
- Registry issues: Corrupted registry keys related to PowerPoint cause this error to appear.
- Software conflicts: Incompatible or broken software running alongside Office can prevent PowerPoint from opening properly.
How to Fix PowerPoint Error 1706
If you encounter error 1706 in PowerPoint, try these troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem:
1. Run the PowerPoint Repair Tool
The PowerPoint repair tool scans your Office installation for errors and fixes common issues. To use it:
- Close PowerPoint if it’s open
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program
- Right-click on Microsoft Office and select Repair
- Restart your PC once finished
2. Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers
Since outdated graphics drivers often cause this error, it’s wise to update them:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand the Display adapters category
- Right-click your graphics card > Select Update driver
- If update fails, download drivers from the manufacturer’s website and install
3. Run an Antivirus Scan
Virus infection can prevent PowerPoint from functioning normally. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to detect and remove any malware.
4. Reset the PowerPoint Registry Settings
Resetting the PowerPoint registry keys will revert them back to default settings:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open Registry Editor
- Navigate to “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\PowerPoint”
- Right-click on the PowerPoint folder and select Delete
- Restart your computer
This will restore default registry values related to PowerPoint.
5. Repair Office Using Installation Media
If none of the above steps work, you can repair your Office installation using original install files:
- Insert your Office installation media
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program
- Select your Office version
- Click Change > Repair > Continue
This will replace corrupt Office files and reinstall damaged components.
6. Uninstall and Reinstall PowerPoint
If repair fails, the last resort is uninstalling PowerPoint completely and installing it again from scratch:
- Close all Office applications
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program
- Select Microsoft PowerPoint and click Uninstall
- Restart your PC and reinstall PowerPoint
This will give you a clean PowerPoint installation, which should prevent further error 1706 issues.
How to Prevent Error 1706 in the Future
Here are some tips to avoid error 1706 down the road:
- Keep your Office installation up-to-date
- Periodically run the Office repair tool
- Update graphics drivers regularly
- Use a good antivirus program
- Avoid installing incompatible software alongside Office
- Back up your PowerPoint presentations regularly
Following these simple preventive measures will help you avoid this error code in the future.
Conclusion
Error 1706 can stop you from accessing PowerPoint, but it’s usually easy to fix. Start troubleshooting by running the Office repair tool. Updating drivers, resetting registry keys, reinstalling Office, and scanning for malware can also resolve the problem.
Prevent this issue by keeping Office updated, backing up files, installing compatible software, and running regular system maintenance. With the right troubleshooting steps, you can get PowerPoint working again quickly.
