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
    2017-09-11T13:01:18+00:00

    My apologies Brian. 

    I ended up having to create the MS account via a telephone conversation with the client that is on the other side of the country. 

    So the job is almost done the the greatest inconvenience... I'm still waiting for the client to accept the verification email and is not available when I call her. Fun fun in an I.T bun

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-09-11T13:15:30+00:00

    Please Note: If the Microsoft Account does not belong to the end user they will not have access to their Office Account from where they can reinstall Office when needed in the future.  Also they will not be able to do an online repair.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-09-12T02:27:28+00:00

    Hi FO

    You have not stated which version of Office you are having problems with? However, if it is Office Home & Student  2013/2016  or Office 365 Home/Personal, then as part of Microsoft's security system/policy you must associate Office with a Microsoft Account. If the Microsoft Account does not belong to the end user they will not have access to their Office Account from where they can reinstall Office when needed in the future.  Also the will not be able to do an online repair.

    RonBarker, you continue to state that the problem affects MS Office 2013 flavours. THIS IS INCORRECT. It is only a problem with retail/oem versions of 2016. The only issue with 2013 and is that you now must do a phone activation every single time as online activation claims the product has already been activated. But you do NOT need to create an account - the key supplied with 2013 is the activation key. Please stop confusing people.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-09-12T06:12:30+00:00

    DE

    Sorry, but put simply you are wrong, although your post is difficult to understand.  I  stand by my post above.  I will add this, Microsoft has no liability  for OEM software.

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  5. Anonymous
    2017-09-12T06:43:52+00:00

    1800 people with the same question

    440 replies

    This question is a PITA that will not go away.

    The answer is simple. You cannot install Office 365/2016 without an email account. This is a problem for businesses who do not want subscriptions and for anyone who is providing technical support for businesses who do not use 365.  Deal with it. Vote with your feet (and wallet).  MS won't change this until enough BIG Businesses drop them that MS sees it is a problem with their (MS's) bottom line. Subscription is a cash cow!

    I'm unsubscribing from this unending question as a waste of my time.

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