Updating an add-in
If a Bearwood Labs add-in has started misbehaving, updating to the latest version is almost always the fix. This page covers the general update, and what stays untouched.
Why updating fixes most problems
Section titled “Why updating fixes most problems”Two things break add-ins over time, and both are solved by the same latest download:
- PowerPoint updates. Microsoft ships changes that can stop an older add-in from loading or exporting correctly. The current build is rebuilt to match.
- Expired signing certificates. Every add-in is digitally signed, and those certificates expire on a schedule. When one lapses, PowerPoint stops trusting the old file. Installing the freshly signed version restores that trust.
Update your add-in
Section titled “Update your add-in”- Download the latest version from your Gumroad library, or from TPT My Purchases if you bought there. Every purchase includes updates.
- Close PowerPoint completely.
- Install or replace the add-in with the new file.
- Reopen PowerPoint.
On Windows, a downloaded .ppam file is blocked by default. Right-click the new .ppam, choose Properties, tick Unblock, then click OK before adding it to PowerPoint. On Mac there’s no Unblock step.
The exact steps differ by product, so follow its own install page for the specifics:
- Flat Pack (Windows): install page
- Flat Pack for Mac: install page
- Power Pack: install page
- PDF Link Fix: install page
- Bingo Creator: install page
- Bulk Creator: install page
- Puzzle Maker: install page
- TPT Store Link: install page
PowerPoint says the certificate has expired
Section titled “PowerPoint says the certificate has expired”The fix is always the same: download and install the latest signed version using the steps above. That replaces the lapsed certificate with a current one, and your license and settings survive the swap.
On Mac you may not see this warning at all. It’s mainly a Windows message.