A Simple Guide to Restoring .POTM Files from External Storage Devices

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .POTM file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

A Simple Guide to Restoring .POTM Files from External Storage Devices

What is a .POTM file?

A POTM file is a macro-enabled presentation template created by Microsoft PowerPoint, a program used for creating slide show presentations. It contains default images, slide templates, macros, and formatting. POTM files are used to create multiple .PPTM files with the same formatting and macro settings.

What Are Common Causes of ".POTM" Files Lost or Failure?

There can be several common causes for ".POTM" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".POTM" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer system.
  2. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as corruption or errors, can lead to the loss or failure of ".POTM" files.
  3. Virus or malware attack: Malicious software can infect and damage files, including ".POTM" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  4. Hardware failure: Problems with the computer's hardware, such as a hard drive failure, can result in the loss of ".POTM" files.
  5. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications can cause issues with ".POTM" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  6. Power outages: Sudden power outages or improper shutdowns can corrupt ".POTM" files, making them inaccessible or causing failure.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as improper handling or accidental formatting of storage devices, can result in the loss of ".POTM" files.
  8. Software bugs or glitches: Software bugs or glitches in the programs used to create or manage ".POTM" files can cause data loss or file failure.
  9. Incompatible software updates: Updates to software applications or operating systems may introduce incompatibilities that can lead to ".POTM" file issues.
  10. File transfer errors: Errors during file transfers, such as interrupted downloads or incomplete uploads, can result in ".POTM" file loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".POTM" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".POTM" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".POTM" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".POTM" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".POTM" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
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Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software
  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".POTM" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type
  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored
  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan
  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery
  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".POTM" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo powerPoint Open XML Macro-Enabled Presentation Template image file file?

Programs that open ".POTM" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Microsoft PowerPoint 2019 Microsoft PowerPoint 2019
Mac
Microsoft PowerPoint 2019 Microsoft PowerPoint 2019
Planamesa NeoOffice Planamesa NeoOffice

Additional Information

  • File type: PowerPoint Open XML Macro-Enabled Presentation Template

  • File extension: .POTM

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Data Files

  • Format: Zip

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:15 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .POTM files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is the purpose of .POTM formats and how are they different from other file formats?

    The .POTM file format is used for PowerPoint templates that contain macros. The purpose of .POTM formats is to provide a template with pre-designed slides and embedded macros, allowing users to create new presentations with consistent formatting and functionality.

    The key difference between .POTM and other file formats, such as .PPTX or .PPTM, is the inclusion of macros. Macros are small programs that automate tasks and add interactivity to the presentation. With .POTM files, the macros are already embedded in the template, enabling users to create new presentations with the same macros and functionality.

    In contrast, .PPTX files are standard PowerPoint presentation files without macros, while .PPTM files are PowerPoint presentations that may contain macros. .POTM files serve as templates, providing a starting point for creating new presentations with predefined design elements and macros.

  • What are some common applications or software programs that support .POTM formats?

    Some common applications or software programs that support .POTM (PowerPoint Template with Macros Enabled) formats include:

    1. Microsoft PowerPoint: The primary application for creating and editing PowerPoint presentations, Microsoft PowerPoint supports .POTM files. It allows users to create, modify, and present slideshows using templates with macros enabled.
    2. LibreOffice Impress: This open-source presentation software is compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint files, including .POTM files. It offers similar features to PowerPoint, allowing users to create and edit presentations.
    3. Google Slides: As part of Google Workspace, Google Slides is a web-based application that supports importing and editing .POTM files. It provides collaborative features, allowing multiple users to work on presentations simultaneously.
    4. Keynote: Developed by Apple, Keynote is a presentation software that supports .POTM files. It is available for macOS and iOS devices, offering various templates, animations, and multimedia options.
    5. Apache OpenOffice Impress: Another open-source alternative, Apache OpenOffice Impress supports .POTM files. It provides similar functionality to Microsoft PowerPoint, allowing users to create and deliver presentations.
    6. WPS Office Presentation: WPS Office is a free office suite that includes a presentation software called WPS Office Presentation. It supports .POTM files and provides a range of features for creating and presenting slideshows.
    7. Prezi: Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software that allows users to create dynamic and non-linear presentations. It supports importing .POTM files, enabling users to incorporate PowerPoint templates with macros into their Prezi presentations.

    These are just a few examples of applications and software programs that support .POTM formats. Other presentation software or office suites may also provide compatibility with this file format.

  • How can one convert a .POTM file to a different file format for compatibility purposes?

    To convert a .POTM file to a different file format for compatibility purposes, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open Microsoft PowerPoint and go to the "File" menu.
    2. Click on "Open" and browse for the .POTM file you want to convert.
    3. Once the file is opened, go to the "File" menu again and choose "Save As" or "Save a Copy."
    4. In the Save As dialog box, choose the desired file format you want to convert the .POTM file into. For example, you can select .PPTX (PowerPoint Presentation) or .PDF (Portable Document Format).
    5. Select the destination folder where you want to save the converted file.
    6. Click "Save" to initiate the conversion process.
    7. Depending on the file format you selected, you may be prompted with additional options or settings to customize the conversion.
    8. Once the conversion is completed, you will have a new file in the chosen format, which should be compatible with a wider range of applications or devices.

    Note: Keep in mind that the converted file may not retain all the features or functionality of the original .POTM file, especially if the target format does not support certain elements like macros or interactive features.

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