http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/ppt/master.html

When I try to change the master slide, date and the slide number just doesn't show up.

Looks like you have to select the header/footer menu while you are on the master slide and then you have to select the appropriate boxes to show.

1. view/master/slide master
2. view/header/footer
3. choose date

1. view
2. slide master

many slide master pages possible. Each master page could be applied to a specific page.

If you change the text on a footer object in the slidemaster it may not take effect. You have to change it in the header/footer.

you also must do "apply all" in the header footer to make this show up on all sheets

powerpoint difference between a layout and a master

Search for: powerpoint difference between a layout and a master

you can create a new slide and specify a particular layout by right clicking on the new slide and chosing a layout.