You can also use the attached VI that opens a file using it's associated application. It's made for pdf's, but works for any file type that has an application assigned. If you have a pps file it should start the presentation automatically. If it's a ppt file it will just open it in Powerpoint, but not start the presentation. Daniel
Open File with Standard App.vi:
http://forums.ni.com/ni/attachments/ni/170/349554/1/Open File with Standard App.vi