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
    2010-08-08T19:49:00+00:00

    I'm trying to activate Office 2007 through the 60 day trial version that was already installed on my laptop. I bought office in a store and the office installed on my laptop says the digits are invalid. I'm sure that I have no other office program installed and I am looking the right place.

    Can anyone help me?

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-08-07T21:52:36+00:00

    I purchased Office Professional Plus through work.  I have a key.  However, the Download link that was given to me only says copywrite google and does not go anywhere.  How do i download the program.

    Call Digital River

    1-877-237-3165


    Ron

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-08-07T21:37:37+00:00

    I purchased Office Professional Plus through work.  I have a key.  However, the Download link that was given to me only says copywrite google and does not go anywhere.  How do i download the program.

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-07-17T17:19:48+00:00

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