Multiple instances of PowerPoint (2007)

Question

How can I open PowerPoint twice so I can view two presentations, one on each screen of my dual monitor set up?

Answer 1

As M'vy points out, it's not really possible right now without running the other copy in a separate user space (ie: by using RunAs). Aside from running it twice, perhaps you could stretch it across both monitors and then open both presentations.

From the PPTFaq site here:

• If PowerPoint is maximized, click the "Restore Down" button (the one to the left of the "Make it Go Away" X in the upper right hand corner).
• Drag the lower right hand corner to the right to expand the PPT screen onto the second monitor.
• Open two presentations
• Choose Window, Arrange All from the main menu bar.

Answer 2

It seems that running two copies of MS Office 2007 is not possible so far.

The only workaround I know is to run office with as another user, but it has some inconveniences.

Answer 3

Note that two PowerPoint items in the taskbar is not the same as two instances of PowerPoint.

If you look at your task list/processes, you'll only see one instance of Powerpnt.exe, and you'll also find that you can't work in multiple independent PPT windows, each with its own ribbon or toolbar/menu UI.

For that, as has been pointed out, you need to resort to multiple user tricks or bump to PPT 2010.

Answer 4

From the Windows 7 task bar:

• right click the PowerPoint 2007 icon to open the jump list
• select 'Microsoft PowerPoint 2007'

This should launch another instance of PowerPoint 2007 (this can be used to launch another instance of almost all applications). I used this frequently before upgrading to Office 2010 with Excel 20007.

Answer 5

Actually click on the PPT files, don't just click the shortcut to open Office 2007 in the start menu. I just did this and attached a screen shot of my task bar. You can see the two instances to the right. I do not have dual monitors to show the whole application open.

As a note, in Office 2010, it will actually open a new instance of PowerPoint even from the Start menu. I also tested this as I use 2010 primarily.

Answer 6

i was able to get multiple instances of ppt running by doing the following

1. i had multiple slides opened at the same time then i "arranged all" from the view menu in the toolbar.

2. after doing this, every other slide that i opened would do so in a seperate instance of ppt.

using ppt from office 12 by the way.