Smitty_147 wrote:
When saving powerpoint files I receive an error "...file loaded by another user".
I am saving to an external flash drive, and I receive no errors when saving files from other applications, including other Office applications.
It's simple enough to save the file as a new file each time, but that is not a reasonable solution.
I would recommend updating your software as the first step. This typically sorts the odd issue.
If no resolve—contact Microsoft support for your third party application help
PowerPoint 2016 for Mac Help - Microsoft Support
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us
Office for Mac running macOS Catalina
If you have Office 2011 for Mac or before WILL NOT run.
Office 2016 for Mac needs to be v15.35 or later.
Update the software or try an alternative for word documents—
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-office-for-mac
The current Office for Mac; Office 365 or Office 2019 (One-time purchase) are OK with Catalina
https://support.office.com/en-us/article/how-do-i-upgrade-office-ee68f6cf-422f-464a-82ec-385f65391350
https://products.office.com/en-us/compare-all-microsoft-office-products?&activetab=tab:primaryr1
To activate a Microsoft Office 365 subscription you simply enter the email address you used when you extended the subscription with Microsoft.