Dear Computer Lady,
I have a new laptop which came with Microsoft trial which, as you probably know, allows you to access MS a number of times (I forgot how many) and you have to enter the key number each time until you are not longer able to access it.
The problem I am having is that I purchased MS after my trial expired and didn’t us MS’s link from the trial version. So now, every time I open MS I get that screen asking me for the key number and if I just continue on through that process, it will not allow me to do anyting on the MC doc that it opens.
Can you help???
Thanks!
Liz in Dublin, Ohio
Dear Liz,
I’m guessing that MS means Microsoft Office since just about every new computer now comes with a 60 day trial of Office pre-installed.
When the 60 day trial expires, Office is still installed on your computer, but you will no longer be able to use the program. It sounds like that is the situation that you are finding yourself in now. Since you also stated that you purchased Office after the trial expired, you should be able to use the program, we just need to get things set up correctly.
If you purchased Office on a disk in the store, there are a couple of ways to get it set up on your computer. The easiest way is to find the sticker inside the package with the 25 digit product key, and type that key in the window that pops up when you try to open Office. In most cases, this should unlock the program that is already installed on your computer, and you will be all set.
The other option with a disk is to un-install the 60 day trial of office, then install Office again from the disk. You can remove the trial by clicking on “Start” then “Control Panel” in the start menu. In the Control Panel, click on “Uninstall a program” Click on the program you want to remove, then click the “Uninstall” button at the top of the window. I would suggest restarting your computer once this is finished before you put in the disk to install Office from the disk.
If you purchased Office online, then you would have received the 25 digit product key in an email. This key is really all you need, in fact, that key is what you payed over a hundred dollars for!
In a perfect world, you would purchase Microsoft Office on their web site, they send you an email with the product key, and you enter that key next time the trial version prompts you for a key. This should register your new purchase, and you can use Office to your hearts content without ever having to enter the product key again. It really shouldn’t matter what link you used to purchase Office, as long as it was a legitimate link to Microsoft’s website.
If you didn’t get an email with the 25 digit product key, you will need to contact Microsoft with some sort of information from your order so they can resend the key to you. If you did get a key and it is not working with the trial version on your computer, I would suggest that you uninstall Office using my directions above. In order to reinstall Microsoft Office, you will have to download it from their website. There should be a link in the email with the 25 digit product key.
I hope this helps you with your problem.
Elizabeth
I hope this reader didn’t fall for a “scam” where they supposedly sell her a license, but in fact have no right to do so. Since she didn’t use Micro$oft’s link, this may be what happened.
I personalyy like Open Office, as I am not a full fledged office type person. Ooo and Thunderbird with the calendar add-on, and I have all I need!