Vista - windows mail will not open .pps or .ppt attachments

I have very limited knowledge with computer. Have Vista Home Premium 64 bit. I receive e-mails with pps or ppt attachments. Get msg about not having program associated and create association in set assn control panel. I do not know where this is, however I have read many post about this issue. I printed some instructions and tried to perform task about changing words open and show. When performing task I did not find the powerpoint viewer.slideshow.11\shell\show but did see wording Hex Root or something similiar.
My Program file fm my Start Button says I have Microsoft Powerpoint Viewer 2007.
One of the links provided had another link wanting me to download for fixes but I was afraid of what else I might be downloading.
Any help would be appreciated but please understand if your instructions are not click specific it will be a waste of time because I know little about computers and at age 70 am just attempting to learn bascis like read "windows mail" that has attachments (pps and ppt)
Thanx a bunch

Hello Unit50, and welcome to Vista Forums.

In Default Programs, check to make sure that the .ppt and .pps file extensions have their "current default program" set as Microsoft Office PowerPoint. If it is not listed and you need to browse to that program, then it is located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\POWERPNT.EXE.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks Shawn for the link. I did look at it but will try and get some help fm friends before attempting.
Again Many Thanks

Ok. If you have any further question, then please post back with them.

I uninstalled Microsoft Office and the I had the same problem your having. I have an HP computer. This fixed it for me. Start-Programs-PC Help andTools-Recovery Manager. Then the Advanced tab. Then I chose the option to reinstall software that came with my computer. I reinstalled Microsoft Works 9.0. Problem Fixed.
note I uninstalled Office (trial version and it had expired) then I couldn't open pps files anymore although I could still see power point viewer in my programs list. I reinstalled Works not Office. I am not a Guru but it seems to have done the trick for me. GOOD LUCK

Will do, Many Thanks for follow up. I imagine I will have questions but had some unexpected problems and have not had time to check out but I will and Thanks Again for your offer to help.

Brink, I had a friend assist me and he has 2007 Powerpoint. We spent 2 hours in attempt to follow instructions. We were not successful. Just today Microsoft downloaded 3 new updates, one which was for 2007 Powerpoint. I thought what great timing, it will be fixed. However it did not fix anything. To be honest there was many times the instructions left me with not knowing what to do as I am unfamiliar with the computer language used so while a simple instruction may be easy for most, I apologize, but I just could not comprehend and even the friend helping me who has limited knowledge was unfamiliar with what to do at times. He indicated we tried to perform all tasks as directed and it did not work for us. Fortunately his Powerpoint worked by clicking on his e-mail .pps or .ppt attachment.
I really do appreciate your attempt to help me but I think I will forget it as I do not want to spend several more hours. In fact I may try and uninstall Powerpoint as it is utilizing up space that is of no benefit to me.
Many Thanx
Unit 50 ret

Marshall Moore, Thanks, Will try
Unit50