Microsoft Office

[natimage]

My mom just bought this new laptop, and we cannot get Microsoft Office XP to accept the product key. The certificate of authenticity is on the back of the computer and we've entered the product key VERY carefully, several times with no success. I searched Microsoft Knowledge Base with no luck, as well.

 

The computer was sealed in the box upon purchase...never been opened. She brought it home, turned it on, got connected to the internet and that's it.

 

Has anyone else ever had this problem?

 

Thanks!!

[TCH-Bruce]

Have you checked to be sure you have entered zeroes and "o"'s correctly. That could cause problems. I know it sounds dumb but I've done it.

[TCH-Thomas]

Check for "B" and "8" too.

[natimage]

Yes...I checked and double checked. There are no "o"s or "0"s ... only one B and one 8...but they are clear.

 

Any other suggestions?

[Madmanmcp]

Are you sure you are using the right "product key". These are specific to the software "version" AND the Product. For instance you cannot use the product key for MS Office 2000 in MS Office XP. You also cannot use the MS Windows XP OS product key in the MS Office XP.

[natimage]

Well...it's highly possible that it's the wrong one. The only product key information we've been able to find is on a the certificate of authenticity that is on the back of the computer. It says, "Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition".

 

From what you say, it seems that might be the wrong one. However, we've filtered through all the papers and disks that came with the system, and cannot find any other product key numbers. The error message when trying to setup says to look at the certificate of authenticity OR the sticker on the CD case. There were no cd cases...only the little white sleeves. And none of them have that type of number on them.

 

Would it do any good to contact the store where she bought it? Or is there another way to get this fixed through Microsoft?

[TCH-Dick]

You need to contact the store you bought it from, if you call microsoft they will tell you they cant help you and to call the retailer. (I used to work customer service for microsoft )

[natimage]

ok...I found a disk that had a product key sticker on it, and the number worked. But the disk is a trial for Office Student & Teacher edition, Works 7.0 w/Money and Encarta.

 

I'm assuming that she did not get a standard edition of Office with the purchase of this computer. You know...my mother has worked with computers for I don't know how many years now. She can take a PC apart and fix it...set 'em up...she could probably build one and she's never had any kind of education with it. Just on the job experience.

 

But when it comes to the little things that go along with buying one...she's got a lot left yet to learn!!!!!

[Madmanmcp]

The Product key you found on the back of the computer was probably for the Operating System and is the reason it is not working for the Office installation.

 

I would contact or talk to the place where you purchased the computer and find out where the "key" is located. Office isn't always included with computers unless you specially order it. They usually come with MS Works or another less expensive all-in-one package.

[Madmanmcp]

ok...I found a disk that had a product key sticker on it, and the number worked. But the disk is a trial for Office Student & Teacher edition, Works 7.0 w/Money and Encarta.

 

Ok, one of those "package" deals I spoke of, but this is more of a try and buy deal and it will self destruct after a specified time.

 

It has Works which maybe all you need.

[natimage]

Yes, you're right. Thanks for all the help. I don't know if my mom cares anything about having Office or not. I will let her worry about that, I suppose!

[joly]

Glad you found it. I read the thread before posting, I was going to say the Office key would not be on the bottom of the computer, it should be with the software. Depending on how much you or your mom would use Word, Excel, etc would determine if you would need it or not.

I use mine all the time on my desk top and tablet PC, Office 2003 has pen enhancements for tablet pc's so its nice. I work in an office so use it all the time.

Good luck and enjoy your new computer!

=^..^=