Since you're on a deadline I would remove the hard drive from your computer and either insert it into another computer as a secondary hard drive or insert it in an external hard drive enclosure. Either way, boot up that other computer and then browse the contents of your hard drive. Unless you were using EFS encryption (not available in XP Home), you should be able to just copy-and-paste that PPT file to the other computer and work on it there. If you receive an access violation when attempting to copy or open the PPT click here for instructions on 'taking ownership' of the file.
Once you have that file copied over you can shut down, remove your hard drive from that computer, and reinsert it into your computer. That will enable you to finish the PPT now and then attempt to resolve the problem when you have time. When you reach that part post the details in the Windows XP forum for optimal responses.
Good luck.
John
Ihave windows xp. My desktop got unplugged by accident. When I plugged it back it I got "the improper shutdown" screen. It gave me the option of restarting in safe mode, safe mode with network, safe mode with commands, normal windows and last working etc. I tried each one and each one took me back to this same page. The only thing I could do was to go to setup from the gateway screen. I set it to default and saved then exited but that did not help. I have a major presentation to give Wed and I wasn't even finished with my power point slides. What can I do? Although I have a 3 year service plan with comp usa, they will only use the restore disk which will erase my hard drive. Do you have any suggestions that I can use quickly?

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic