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
    2010-05-03T19:33:12+00:00

    I'm having the same problem with Word 2000.  I JUST OPENED THE PACKAGE...but it's telling me that it's the wrong product key.  Is it something to do with it being a 2000 version?  I think this is the one that came with the computer a few years back (about 3?).

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2010-05-02T13:25:37+00:00

    Hey, i just entered my product key number, but for me it says that it is valid. when configuration is complete it says i have to restart all microsoft programs and close the ones currently open.

    once starting with no windows open at all i opened word. on opening, it tells me my trial is over and i need to convert. it says this everytime i open a microsoft program, please help me (:

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2010-04-28T08:06:14+00:00

    Provide more information regarding this issue to assist you better.

    What is the issue you are facing? Do you get any error messages?

    What are the applications which you have an issue with?

    What is the operating system in use on the computer?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2010-04-25T15:01:07+00:00

    *--*

    Need Help

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments