07 Microsoft Office System Product Key issue

skintdragon

Hello techies.

As a technophobe I am after some handy hints.

Recently I found my 25 figure product key on my netbook (which I have owned for prob almost a year now- yes slack I know). I rarely use Word/ other software on it as I only use the netbook to go online.

Now I have to start using Word, I thought I would try and go through the rigmorale of punching in the product key, but my computer doesn't seem to recognise it. The message says the verifying key is incorrect. I have checked it several times over to make sure I haven't muddled the letters/ numbers, but no luck.

First question is, is it crucial to have this number? Is the registration process fundamental to the function and use of the software?

Secondly, would I be able to use Word and other software for the unforseeable future on my netbook if my registration is unsuccessful?

I am so confused! Any tips/ words of wisdom welcome. Please educate me and teach me how to suck eggs!!! :rotfl:

Thanks in advance, fellow geeks. :beer:

Fonz_2

Its very unusual for a netbook to come pre-loaded with Office, it's normally a limited use trial of Office.

Are you sure the product key on your netbook itself isn't your Windows product key?

skintdragon

Fonz wrote: »

Its very unusual for a netbook to come pre-loaded with Office, it's normally a limited use trial of Office.

Are you sure the product key on your netbook itself isn't your Windows product key?

wow thanks for a speedy response!

I suspect it may be a trial one; not sure to be honest. there is a Microsoft label stuck to the bottom of the netbook and that is where the key code is. I was looking on the packaging etc and found it eventually...

Please can you clarify what the windows product key is? The title of the window that pops up says "2007 Microsoft Office System Product Key" so I am none the wiser!!

Fonz_2

Windows is the operating system and the key stuck to the bottom of the netbook tends to be the one for that.

Microsoft Office is something completely different and you generally will have to buy this when the trial runs out.

skintdragon

Ah ok, I see.

Would I be able to still use the software (Word, PowerPoint, etc) regardless?

I was assuming the product key was the thing stuck to the bottom of netbook because it has 25 characters, and it says "product key" next to it?

Sorry if I sound a bit dim...:(

Fonz_2

If you don't have a valid key for Office and the office trial has run out they will stop working and you won't be able to use them. Does the 25 character code you found specifically say it is for Office?

Bigcammy

The serial number on the bottom will be for Windows, not for Microsoft Office, sorry. You'll either need to rpocure a copy of Microsoft Office or go for something like Openoffice which is free and downloadable.

skintdragon

No it does not specifically say it is for "Office". On the label (the Microsoft authenticity label), there is what appears to be a serial number, a bar code, and a "product key" and next to that is a 25 numbered/ lettered mish mash of info.

Thank you for your input, much appreciated.

rsykes2000

skintdragon wrote: »

No it does not specifically say it is for "Office". On the label (the Microsoft authenticity label), there is what appears to be a serial number, a bar code, and a "product key" and next to that is a 25 numbered/ lettered mish mash of info.

Thank you for your input, much appreciated.

That's for Windows, you need to either buy Office or download openoffice for free from openoffice.org

totalsolutions

What the other poster have not said.
Try the free Office 2010 Beta from Microsoft. Fully functional and free, it expires in October 2010, so you have a few days to try it..!....


http://www.microsoft.com/office/2010/en/default.aspx
Its in the top right ! !

jmc160

totalsolutions wrote: »

What the other poster have not said.
Try the free Office 2010 Beta from Microsoft. Fully functional and free, it expires in October 2010, so you have a few days to try it..!....


http://www.microsoft.com/office/2010/en/default.aspx
Its in the top right ! !

As the OP is clearly not at all technical (no offense OP), I would seriously not recommend they install beta software. Besides, it's not there to get around licensing issues albeit temporarily, it's for evaluation and testing purposes.

OP, as others have said, the product key on the bottom of your netbook is for Windows, not Office. Both are licensed products and as such, both are activated using (separate) 25 character product keys. The Office installation you have is almost certainly an evaluation copy.

Openoffice ir probably sufficient for your needs, it's dowloadable (someone else has already put a link I think), free and easy to install and use. Give it a try and if you don't like it, then look into buying a licensed copy of MS Office.