Recently I received this question from a reader:
"I bought a new computer with the latest version of PowerPoint installed. Since most of my friends are using 2003 or an earlier version, some of them encountered difficulty playing the slide shows I had created.
My question is can I also install my PowerPoint 2003 version on the same computer?
Yes, you can install PowerPoint 2003, 2007 and 2010 on the same computer. Most likely you will have the complete Microsoft Office package to install, rather than the individual program(s).
However, I must state that when I installed different versions on my own computer, I installed Office 2003 first and then followed up with Office 2007 and then Office 2010. Listed below is the folder structure that was created on my computer. In the past, you had to indicate a specific folder to install a different version or the new install would overwrite the earlier install.
Notes:
- When prompted to choose the Default or a Custom installation, opt for the Custom install. Then during the installation of the second (or third) version, you will be asked if you wish to keep your earlier version(s).
- Unless you choose otherwise, the programs will install themselves to the following folders:
- Office 2003 - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office11
- Office 2007 - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12
- Office 2010 - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14
Shortcuts to the individual programs that are within the Microsoft Office umbrella will be located in the Start Menu under the program heading Microsoft Office and the icons for each version of the individual programs will be slightly different. For example, PowerPoint 2003, 2007 and 2010 will have slightly different icons, but all will be present in the list.
