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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

50+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

82 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2015-08-19T15:12:54+00:00

    No Help pg is 

    This Service is Currently Not Available

    MS sucks!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2015-04-28T06:54:51+00:00

    Not sure what you are asking/seeking

    MS Office, a working version with key is not included with any PC unless the PC maker supplies it as part of an offer.

    http://www.libreoffice.org/

    is free, its an MS Office type program and can create Word docs

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-04-27T22:33:13+00:00

    I didn't get a disc with my computer from my step son. I got the Acer disc that was it. the product key was not part of the original purchase, I know this because I was there when he bought the computer from the rental store straight out. no long term payment plan or anything like that. I need to get the windows word program to work for school. I ahve to have this program for term papers. I used the product key on the modem. As I just said we did not get the windows disc to activate the programs. and your support and help site here has been no help either. the program was a preinstall and it is a windows vista on top of that.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2015-04-01T05:28:05+00:00

    My Computers puts this But the Windows 8.1 Pro Pack Product Key shows:

    ***product keys removed - NEVER post your product keys online, they will be stolen.

    However, I cannot find any Windows 8.1 on my computer.

    Am I working with Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 on my Computer???????????

    Thank you.

    Mike Hallock

    ***removed PII

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments