The extension PPAM denotes a macro-enabled add-in for the presentation software Microsoft PowerPoint as of version 2007 (Mac 2008). The PPAM files include VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) and may also contain macros.
AddIns extend PowerPoint with additional features, such as new features or the ability to run macros. The addins can be created by the user or come from other developers.
The files are based on the Office Open XML standard. This is an XML based file format that is unreadable with earlier PowerPoint versions. For Office versions 2000, 2003, and XP, this feature can be rebuilt using the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack.
For PPAM files from unknown sources, a check by anti-virus software is indicated.
Most often resolving problems with opening PPAM files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support PPAM files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of PPAM files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.
It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate PPAM files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the PowerPoint applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where PowerPoint has been installed.
Sometimes problems with opening PPAM files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as: