KB0210: Conflict with NVIDIA Optimus: Elements menu does not open

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Problem

Clicking on Elements, after opening a saved PowerPoint file or after saving a new PowerPoint file, opens an empty thinkcell Elements menu and I cannot insert thinkcell elements.

thinkcell elements partially

This problem can only occur on notebooks with NVIDIA Optimus technology, i.e., they have both an Intel and an NVIDIA graphic card built in. It may happen only with some graphics driver versions.

Workaround

As a temporary workaround it helps to deactivate thinkcell and reactivate again:

  • Deactivate thinkcell: Insert > thinkcell > Tools Tools Menu icon > Deactivate thinkcell
  • To activate thinkcell again, click on: Insert > thinkcell > Activate

We have filed a case with NVIDIA. If you want to contact NVIDIA to ask for a fix, you may refer to Incident #170420-000059.