I have had Office XP on since I had PC new and now it has started to ask for a product code (which I no longer have). Does anyone know why and what I can do about it.
2006-10-07 07:26:07 · 17 answers · asked by Suzie B 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
To be really honest, I've never heard of or seen this happen unless you're using a pirated or illegal copy of the software. Then if you run Windows update or apply patches, after time Microsoft catches wind of the serial you used and that it's fake and Office is made aware of this and invalidates your license and asks for a new one.
If you do own Office and down't have your product key anymore then you're fresh out of luck. It is 100% required and you should put those things in a safe place. I'd try calling Microsoft and telling them the situation. They have other ways of determining your product ID from Office (while it's still installed). They are the only ones that can help.
2006-10-07 07:30:13 · answer #1 · answered by GrayTheory 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Microsoft has a "GWA", tool that is installed with your critical updates. This tool is used to verify that your registration key for any of the products and platforms are genuine. If not they will keep sending you the pop-up. Plus there is talk out of Microsoft that they will soon start to use what is known as a "KILL KEY", where you will not be able to use your pc at all if the products are not genuine.
If you purchased the program and lost the box that came with it you are really out of luck as the registration key is on the side of the box.
If you purchased the program over the internet with a credit card then you should be able to obtain the key from the company you purchased with proof of purchase.
Otherwise you should just remove the program if you know that you installed a crack/serial for "Microsoft Office XP.
As it will only cost you alot of grief the longer you keep the program in.
Microsoft is really cracking down. I downloaded "NetFrameWork 2 from Microsoft and they checked by Windows XP Prof., three times with the their "wga", tool before the download was completed. (An I have a genuine key for my platform).
Clinical Psychiatrist, France
2006-10-07 14:41:54 · answer #2 · answered by MINDDOCTOR 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Microsoft is on a campaign to stamp out pirated software, and they will test your software to check if it is pirated. If so, they will sell you legitimacy. I resisted this for some time, but once I could afford it (or thought I could; finances went down hill soon after, and I probably should have waited), I "went legit." I believe it was a little more than $150. Now I can get all kinds of cool updates and downloads from Microsoft, and do not have to worry about being audited. As I understand it, if I use this computer for business and the software is pirated, I can be in big trouble. I do not want to take that chance.
2006-10-07 14:36:17 · answer #3 · answered by auntb93again 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Office XP requires to be activated just like Windows XP. You can run it 50X without activating before it goes into a degraded mode.
If you dont have the product code you may be out of luck. You are going to have to contact Microsoft to get that resolved or purchase another copy.
Here is the link to microsoft's page on this:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/828958/
2006-10-07 14:40:22 · answer #4 · answered by Bob 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for your Code on the right side of your computer. This is where the PC tech no whether or not you are running authinic Window Version. Now maybe Microsoft want to know.
2006-10-07 14:30:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may be that wherever your got your computer from, installed an illegal copy of XP and as Microsoft can now trace these illegal copies, this is what has happened to you.
On the other hand, many people with legal copies of XP have experienced this problem, and there is a contact address here for you to seek their assistance: http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=mscom
2006-10-07 14:31:16 · answer #6 · answered by Carella 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ya, they're just checking if you stole the product. You do need to get that taken care of though. I'm not sure how they handle people who steal Microsoft Office.
2006-10-07 14:32:41 · answer #7 · answered by mackgyver22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
on the PC somewhere there should be a sticker that will give you the product code. on towers in can either be on one of the sides or under the tower itself. if it a lap top it wil be underneath by the battery
2006-10-07 14:39:02 · answer #8 · answered by mike21011979 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without the product code you do not have the right to install and use the software.
Microsoft are always looking for pirates.
:(((
2006-10-07 14:30:58 · answer #9 · answered by Apple Crumble(Devils Advocate) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Download ProduKey from the link below
its a zip file so you will have to unzip it and then run the executable.
The problem you describe sometimes occurs if all office components were not installed and you are trying to do Office updates.
2006-10-07 14:37:16 · answer #10 · answered by Mike H 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋