Why does Aperture 3.4.5 freeze when making a slideshow?

Question

I have tried two methods of creating a slideshow:
1. Using the 'play slideshow' option from the File menu.
2. Using the 'new - slideshow' option from the File menu.
In the first case, Aperture simply freezes. The choice of 'theme' (Classic, Ken Burns, etc) does not come up, and nor can anything be selected from the library inspector. The only option was to use Force Quit.
In the second case, a new slideshow is available at the bottom of the library inspector; however, when dragging and dropping pictures, as soon as I try to look in the slideshow folder, Aperture freezes with the 'loading' message (and rotating circle). No pictures can be seen in the slideshow folder. The only option was to use Force Quit.
In both cases, all the photos are less than 3.5 MB, and there were approximately 50 photos in each folder. No music or video was added.
As an aside, I have tried deleting and reinstalling Aperture, and it has not made any difference.
Grateful for any assistance on creating and playing slideshows.

Answer 1

as soon as I try to look in the slideshow folder, Aperture freezes with the 'loading' message (and rotating circle). No pictures can be seen in the slideshow folder. The only option was to use Force Quit.
Are you always trying with the same images, or does it happen with any images you try?
if it only happens, when ecrtain imges are included, remove these images from your library.
If it happens with any image you try, create a new Aperture Library (File > Switch to Library > Other/new) and test,  if Aperture can play slideshows using a new library.
If you can play slideshows in a new Aperture library, repair or rebuild your main Aperture library, see: Aperture 3 User Manual: Repairing and Rebuilding Your Aperture Library
And if you cannot even play a slideshow from a new library, remove your Aperture preferences, see: Aperture 3: Troubleshooting Basics
Delete the user preferences
You can resolve many issues by restoring Aperture back to its original settings. This will not impact your image files or your library. To reset your Aperture user preference settings to their original state, do the following:
Quit Aperture.
In the Finder choose Go to folder from the Go menu.
Type ~/Library/Preferences in the "Go to the folder" field. Press the Go button.
Remove the "com.apple.Aperture.plist" file from the Preferences folder.
Note: The locations of your Aperture libraries are stored in the preference file listed above. If you have stored your library outside the default location of  ~/Pictures/Aperture Library, make a note of where the library is before deleting the Aperture preferences file. If you have more than one library, you can bring up a dialog to choose which one to load by pressing Option immediately after you open Aperture.
Post back, if none of this helps.
Regards
Léonie