I'm unable to activate Office XP after upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7

Anonymous

I recently upgraded to Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (though since I upgraded from Windows XP technically I did a clean install of Windows 7). I'm in the process of re-installing all of my programs but I encountered a problem when attempting to activate Microsoft Office XP over the internet. I get a message that reads:

"We are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later, or contact a Customer Service Representative by clicking OK and selecting the Telephone option. (0xb017)"

However, when I attempt to use the telephone option and select USA as my region, no telephone number is displayed. So, I'm at a loss for what to do. I haven't had any luck finding information regarding anyone with a similar problem. I would very much appreciate any help/advice anyone could give me!

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Anonymous

Hi guys,

I'll list the steps that I took which resolved the issue. Keep in mind, while it worked for me, I'm not 100% sure it would work for everyone.

First, use the option to activate Office XP by telephone and follow the steps until it asks you for a confirmation ID, this is what you'll hopefully be getting from a Microsoft representative. This window should also contain another ID number that the representative will probably ask you for.
Next, go to www.microsoft.com and click the “Contact Us” link (should be a small link at the bottom of the page).
On the page that comes up, click the link that says "Chat Now".
On the next page that comes up, click the link for "Product Sales, General Inquiries and Genuine Advantage Questions".
Fill in the required fields in the window that pops up and click "Start Chat" to talk to a representative.
Explain the issue you're having to the representative and he/she will probably ask you for the ID number I previously mentioned you might need. Give them the ID number, and he/she will hopefully provide you with a confirmation ID number.
Enter the confirmation ID number in Office XP to complete the steps for telephone activation. This worked for me, I hope it works for you!!

Hope this helps, good luck!!

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49 additional answers

Anonymous

2012-01-06T08:31:39+00:00

Many thanks tried to follow this but in the UK the Chat Now was off line. I stumbled across the Microsoft UK number 08448002400 where I was easily able to activate my Office XP over the automated phone system by typing the code on the screen in Word and receiving an activation code back to type into the on screen boxes. Worked for me. Thanks Michael

Thank you so much! This saved me masses of heartache, I was so worried that I'd have to update to a version of Word with that horrid ribbon. And I was beginning to hate the Windows 7 computer, wishing my other hadn't bit the dust. It's disappointing that I no longer have the cat playing with butterflies in the corner of the screen, but at least I can finish my current novel. Miss the cat though.. :(

I'd even downloaded Open Office Writer, which IMO isn't a patch on older versions of Word.

My finger hurt after jabbing all those numbers into the phone keypad. But it worked. Thanks.
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Anonymous

2012-01-05T13:41:05+00:00

It worked perfectly well for me. Thank you for posting this info!
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Anonymous

2012-01-02T20:30:28+00:00

Thanks so much. I just followed your instructions and activated my copy of Office XP.
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Anonymous

2011-12-30T16:10:10+00:00

I'm also located in the UK - and your telephone number worked for me as well. I now have Office XP activated on a new Windows PC.

Many thanks - but where did you find this telephone number?
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