Install Office 2016 OEM without Live account

Anonymous
2015-10-07T18:12:57+00:00

I manage IT services for several small businesses and periodically need to purchase new computers with Office. I just purchased a new Dell laptop with the OEM version of Office 2016 Home & Business. It will not let me activate it without adding it to a MS account.

I know this is a perennial question, beginning with Office 2013, that is a major headache for independent technical consultants that support small businesses, as I do. But I have never seen a solid answer as to how to get this installed on the computer without the MS account--just a lot of try this, try that. This is NOT Office 365, just Office H & B 2016!

 I will not:

  • Add it to my MS account, or it will be forever stuck to me--which is inappropriate, since I will not own the computer or software once I am paid for the system by my client.
  • Make my client set up a MS account just for this.
  • Pry into my client's information to get his MS account information (if he even has one).

But I must have Office installed, activated, and updated before I give the system to my client. The activation dialog, in fact, gives me the option of using a product key instead of a login, but then proceeds to "Redeem Online"--which I believe will end up with the same result that requires a MS account.

At this point, I now have a bigger issue. I backed up the Program Data folder that contains the cached Office installation files, then uninstalled MS Office, hoping that a reinstall would give me some option to truly install without being forced to figure out a MS account for my client. The uninstallation removed the original setup folders. Good thing I backed it up, but then when I reinstall from any of those, it installs Office 2013, not Office 2016. And while it still validates the key when I click the option to use a key instead of a logon, it (as before) takes me to "Redeem Online".

Hello, Microsoft: this issue alone has just eliminated my entire profit from this project, given the time I have already spent trying to get this done, then uninstalling and attempting to reinstall.

I know there are versions that can be activated without a MS account, but I do not buy in bulk and can never seem to figure out which is which.

How do I get this installed for my client without being required to use a MS account?

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

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-12-28T15:01:50+00:00

    DY this is an extract from advice to vendors re OEM Office 2013;

    How do I install and activate Office Home & Business 2013 on behalf of the customer?

    Step 1: Download and install Office at Office.com/setup. The customer will need to enter their Microsoft Account information (email address and password).

    Step 2: Activate Office using the same Microsoft account<br>IMPORTANT: The Microsoft account must be uniquely owned and accessible by the end customer. It will be the customer’s key to re-install<br> Office in the future and access Office online services. End customers cannot use their Office subscription until they have redeemed Office with a Microsoft account on<br>Office.com/setup, and signed in. It is critical to guide end customers through the process to ensure activation.

    You may get some assistance at: OEM Partner Centerhttp://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/pages/index.aspx

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-12-28T15:21:27+00:00

    I appreciate your pointing out the office way Microsoft wants this handled.

    However, the official way is not workable for many customers.

    "While all answers are replies, not all replies are answers."

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-12-28T15:38:36+00:00

    No need for the sarcasm> I think that I have just about enough of bad manners and ungrateful people who frequent this forum.

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-12-28T15:43:15+00:00

    What did you expect when your reply is quoting exactly what people are upset about and the very reason for this thread?

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  5. Anonymous
    2016-12-28T15:43:32+00:00

    Sorry about that, no sarcasm intended.

    You've provided the only response that Microsoft gives for this issue... it's just not a useful answer for many folks.

    Not trying to ding you, but I *am* observing that Microsoft's "answer" is not workable.

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