Receiving an error that my product key is invalid

Anonymous
2010-01-18T17:07:08+00:00

My Office program is asking me to enter my product key, and when I do, it keeps giving a message saying that my product key is invalid.  I don’t know what else to do, I’m sure I’m entering the right numbers and letters.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows

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Anonymous
2010-01-18T17:14:38+00:00

Hi Sangeetha

This is a very common question, and the answer is usually one of these two scenarios:

1.       Did you just install Office from a retail box you just purchased?  If so, go to Control Panel, Programs, Programs and Features and see if there is another copy of Office installed besides the suite you just installed.  Some pre-installed Trial Office 2007 suites can conflict with the product key validation process.  If you see a duplicate copy of Office installed, then uninstall it and try to run your new Office program again.  Chances are your product key will work now.

2.       If you are using the 25-digit product key that you found on a sticker on the bottom of your laptop or on the back of your desktop case, then you are using the wrong key.  This key is the product key for the Windows operating system, and NOT for the Office Suite.  The correct product key for the Office suite will be in one of these places:

a.       Inside the retail Office 2007 box (if you bought Office from a retail store)

b.      Inside an e-mail from the online website where you purchased Office

c.       On the outside of the CD case, on a sticker

Microsoft has a knowledge base article that goes into more detail around the invalid product key scenario.  It is located at

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/836178  , and would be a good place to go if these instructions above do not resolve your issue.

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-08-09T11:16:05+00:00

    Hello, if you have bought office 2007 then you can download office 2010 ProfessionalPlus beta at the following:<link removed by moderator.  Installing the Pro Plus beta will not resolve his Office 2007 -> Office 2010 TechG issue.>

    The product key is at the following link: <deleted by moderator since this also points to Office 2010 beta> If you have purchased office 2010 then you could try adifferent answer.

    Please reply if you have found your answer.

    Regards,

    Muqtasid Mansoor aged 10

    (last updated 8/9/2010 GMT)

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-08-10T18:00:19+00:00

    Oh I see. But I'm not able to use the disc as my laptop doesn't have a disc\dvd drive, which is quite a problem in this case.

    Hi 01member,

    Try this link: http://trial.trymicrosoftoffice.com/msft-orpc/default.aspx?culture=en-US

    If you have your 2007 product key, this should allow you to download the right 2007 Office suite that matches your product key.  Once installed, then you can go tohttp://office.microsoft.com/en-us/tech-guarantee/ and get your free upgrade to a corresponding Office 2010 suite.

    I hope this resolves your issue!


    Bob Cooley Supportability Program Manager Microsoft Corporation

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-08-11T07:17:14+00:00

    MINE IS THE SAME IS THERE HELP OUT THERE

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