Failed product activation for Office 2007

WarriorPrincess

My computer unexpectedly died (hard drive failure) and has been replaced under my insurance as the repair took too long. I reinstalled my copy of Microsoft Office 2007. But when I tried to activate it I got a message saying it cannot be activated as I have already activated this product key 3 times (the limit on the software).

My understanding of the Microsoft website is that I should phone to activate and then explain to the person what has happened - then I will be allowed to re-use the license from the dead computer. Neither of the phone numbers I get (by using their 'telephone activation' button as directed) allow me to reach a person - I can't get beyond the automated system, which just rejects me again.

Does anyone have any suggestions for how I can reinstate my software?

aliEnRIK

Im slightly unsure of the process here

Is this when it checks for authentification through windows updates or is this something else?

Im assuming it installed fine and you had a product key that was initially accepted yes?
At what point did it lock up?

KillerWatt

aliEnRIK wrote: »

At what point did it lock up?

It's not locking up Rik, the OP has just hit the limit for the amount of times that automatic activation can take place.

If the OP can use Google or Directory Enquires, they will easily obtain a phone number for Microsoft in the UK where they can activate over the phone with ease once they explain the circumstances.

rygon

When my motherboard broke I had to phone up at it was an automated call which asked me to put in a few numbers, it then gave me some more numbers to activate the license. Isnt there anything when you try and install the software which can lead to you a phone number for this?

WarriorPrincess

Thanks for the suggestion KillerWatt My problem is that my enquiries through Google and Directory Enquiries lead me to automated response numbers. I input my installation code as requested and get the message that I cannot activate the software as I have no more activations left on the license. If you know how to get to a real person so I can explain the situation, I'd be really grateful for the number.

aliEnRIK

KillerWatt wrote: »

It's not locking up Rik, the OP has just hit the limit for the amount of times that automatic activation can take place.

I understand whats happening (To a degree, as its not actually happened to me personally). But I suspect its not too hard to circumnavigate the problem which is why I asked the questions I did, so I fully understand whats needed to get past the problem

if the OP wishes to continue trying to get through to microsoft (Who probably wont care even if they do manage it) so be it.

DCFC79

It is possible to get past the automated system, ive done it myself, the number i found was on google

david78

This happened to me and I did the reactivation by telephone (the 3 times limit is just for the internet re-activation). I can't remember what I did now. I think it was an automatic process, typing in keys and getting a code to type in the computer. Can you see anywhere on the box about activating by phone or on the screen during re-activation?

asbokid

Obviously you want to re-install Microsoft Office, since you've paid for it and you deserve to have a product that is fit for purpose.

But if you find yourself interminably stuck in the quagmire that is Microsoft customer services, then try OpenOffice which is a free office suite offering most of the functionality of Microsoft Office.

http://www.openoffice.org/

WarriorPrincess

aliEnRIK - I reinstalled and the product key worked fine (I tried it both at the start and at the end of the installation process - it made no difference to the subsequent result). But then when I launch Word I am asked to activate the software. By internet it doesn't work, as it says I have used all my licenses - so I tried calling the numbers given when you go for activation by phone. I had an installation code (54 digits!) which I keyed in. I said I had already installed the software on more than one computer and the automated voice explained the license was only for one computer and then disconnected. (It isn't - it's for 3 computers). I've tried to get other numbers but I keep ending up at the same place. So I'm stuck for now. Do you have any suggestions?

aliEnRIK

Assuming its the same process as for verification

find system 32 folder -
%SystemDrive%\Windows\System32

Look for and delete anything that starts with OGA
eg -
OGAVerify.exe
OGAAddin.dll