Every time i start PowerPoint i get a error titled ai.exe - Bad Image. This only happens on MS Powerpoint and not on any other app. So far repaired Office apps and run sfc /scannow, and hasn’t fixed the issue.
Windows 11 - 24H2 (26100.2605
Norton 360 - 24.12.9725 (build 24.12.9725.897)
Hello. From Microsoft I get mixed results about ai.exe not being able to load. They give the following which goes from A/V being the issue, to having Malwarebytes installed, or Microsoft Defender set for real time scanning while having 3rd party antivirus installed.
In another Microsoft forums thread its suggests a recent Windows Update could be the cause, one again due to other 3rd party A/V software causing installation corruption:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/your-device-needs-to-be-repaired-error-code/a31ed225-9710-42b9-8882-68b9a51b30ad
Another suggests driver signature corruption:
Redirecting.
Conversely, Windows 11 24H2 is plagued with issues that can also be the issue. I were going to suggest you roll back 24H2 however, more than likely you are past the 10 day limit. A complete clean reinstallation of Windows would be the only recourse in that case.
My suggestion is remove Norton completely. Use this tool to do so:
Version 24.xx removal tool:
https://www.norton.com/nortonremover
When removal is completed DO NOT reinstall your Norton products. Lets test to see if Powerpoint again throws a similar error issue with ai.exe. Please post back your results so we can follow up.
SA
Further research shows that the file aswhook.dll belongs to Avast A/V. Norton and Avast currently use the same engine so this detection is showing an issue with that file hooking into your OS for functionality. If removal of Norton doesn’t correct the issue and identify that file as the culprit a full system scan with Malwarebytes is in order.
SA
Hello,
I can confirm if Norton is removed or not installed Powerpoint works fine. I rebuilt this PC again (fresh copy of Windows 11 24H2 and Office 365) and there are no issues until Norton is installed. The error pops up every time on this PC.
Also, I have 2 other computers with this issue now. Once Office 365 and Norton have been updated to the latest versions. For some reason the issue is not as bad as the rebuilt PC and is random.
Software versions…
PowerPoint Version = Microsoft® PowerPoint® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2412 Build 16.0.18324.20092) 64-bit
Norton = 24.12.9725 (build 24.12.9725.897)
I’m hoping an update from Microsoft or Norton will fix the issue.
I am having this issue as of today as well. Very odd. 
@JVR2024 Indeed I also confirmed Norton is the issue in my last post. Please allow me to escalate for you both. Lets see if Norton takes up the helm for a fix ASAP.
@Gayathri_R Please escalate to the appropriate team for review and action!!
SA
All: A Norton Admin has reviewed the last post. Hope they will post something for us here soon.
SA
Just started happening on one of my five N360+Win11 PCs
I see that Norton admin. has responded - just wanted to conform still happening on Jan 6 2025 with everything (OS, Norton, Office 365) fully updated.
Having the same problem. Everything fully updated. Don’t get the error if Norton is disabled/uninstalled.
Same issue here since yesterday …
Hello? Is anyone at Norton looking into this?
@clc This thread was forwarded only 7 days ago so please continue to monitor here for an update. Norton may try to contact you individually via the private messaging here on the forums. Please check for a message there.
SA
I too have this same issue, only with Powerpoint. My Office suite updated yesterday to the latest version and my Norton version is 24.12.9725.897
All: Are ALL of you seeing this issue on Office 365 or exclusively using PowerPoint no matter what the version? From what I am reading, Office 365 uses the ai executable where as on my Office 2021 PP doesn’t load that executable when opened. This is a part of Co-Pilot enabled devices. Please review this article for a bit more information. Just something I wanted to throw out for answers.
SA
I am getting this same error with PowerPoint on Office24 standalone. Error did not appear until Norton 360 was reinstalled.
same problem here, i’m getting this error whenever i open ppt. hoping norton is working on this one.
I am also having the same issues. It does not seem to be effecting the functionality of the program but it is annoying.
It only seems to occur with the first time I open a PowerPoint. If I open a second or third PowerPoint the error does not pop up. Since I am sure there are MANY MS PowerPoint users, it would be good to hear updates or get a fix in the near future.
I am also having this issue - only with MS PowerPoint - Office 365 - only started in last few days.
I need to use PPT so need a fats solution or will have to uninstall Norton for something else, but thank you for the thread.
I also have same issue.
ai.exe-映像錯誤
可能是 C:\Program Files\Norton\Suite\aswhook.dll 並非設計為在
Windows上執行,或它包含錯誤。請嘗試使用原始安裝媒體再次安裝該
程式,或連絡您的系統管理員或軟體廠商以取得支援。錯誤狀態
0xc0000428ㆍ
Thank you, useful thread. I find ai.exe, installed on my pc on 9 Jan, suddenly problems occur.
What are the options?
Delete AI.exe with no side effects?
Why is it only PPT that is impacted?
Can Norton be disabled? (if it has to be removed then I have to buy an alternative protection and as my subscription is about to expire I can do so with negligible penalty.)
Thank you!
