Microsoft Product Registration

Oaktree · Apr 23, 2015

I always make an image of a computer when I first put it in service, and periodically afterwards to incorporate stuff installed since the last image. It's quick and easy to restore to "like new" in the event of a drive crash, virus infection, etc. Ghost is a popular (though pricey) program, there are freeware ones too. Clonezilla is one.

aczlan · Apr 23, 2015

Oaktree said:
I always make an image of a computer when I first put it in service, and periodically afterwards to incorporate stuff installed since the last image. It's quick and easy to restore to "like new" in the event of a drive crash, virus infection, etc. Ghost is a popular (though pricey) program, there are freeware ones too. Clonezilla is one.

If the OP bought a key that turned out to be pirated, that wont work as Office will try to reactivate and will get flagged as pirated.

Aaron Z

Beltzington · Apr 23, 2015

I'm over it although I believe MS owns this issue. Simple solution is do not allow multiple registrations of a product key without proof of purchase. This would certainly cost them more to manage but randomly disallowing a product key based on some suspect illicit activity is theft. Keep in mind I purchased this software 4+ years ago from what was advertised as an authorized reseller. MS accepted the registration, had they rejected it I would have had recourse with the vender. I looked at some other office alternatives but my company uses MS and I am not very motivated to learn a new application. My biggest grip was how absolutely horrible their Tech Support was. Every time I called I was asked the exact same questions I had answered previously despite them having a case number. At one time having provided proof of purchase I was told they would provide me a replacement key all I needed to do was call back with my case number. Rant's concluded but buyer beware.

MossRoad · Apr 23, 2015

I'll ask one last time, did you try system restore? Its resolved these kinds of issues for us hundreds of times.

Beltzington · Apr 23, 2015

MossRoad said:
I'll ask one last time, did you try system restore? Its resolved these kinds of issues for us hundreds of times.

Sorry, that was my plan, I can restore from a backup before I corrupted MS Office but that was six weeks ago. Restore is simple enough, getting your data current is the PIA. THanks

aczlan · Apr 23, 2015

Beltzington said:
Sorry, that was my plan, I can restore from a backup before I corrupted MS Office but that was six weeks ago. Restore is simple enough, getting your data current is the PIA. THanks

System restore doesn't mess with your personal data (ie: desktop, my docs, etc) just programs and system settings.

Aaron Z

s219 · Apr 23, 2015

I wouldn't be surprised if it really was pirated -- that was super common with that vintage of MS Office and other software. I know a guy a work who is fairly smart, but he unknowingly bought a bunch of pirated software online. It was a little cheaper than normal price, but not a whole lot. Somebody made a ton of $$ on that deal.

MossRoad · Apr 23, 2015

Beltzington said:
Sorry, that was my plan, I can restore from a backup before I corrupted MS Office but that was six weeks ago. Restore is simple enough, getting your data current is the PIA. THanks

System Restore isn't a backup. Its a restore point for your operating system and programs. It doesn't affect data. With System Restore, you can usually go back much further than 6 weeks. System restore doesn't touch data, so you wouldn't lose any data that you creates/modified in the last 6 weeks. Start System Restore and look how far back your restore points go. If you find a point before you hosed Office, restore to that point and you should be good. Just remember that any programs you installed in the last 6 weeks won't be there. But your data will.

Beltzington · Apr 24, 2015

MossRoad - I finally caught on to what your talking about, been many years since I spent allot of time tinkering with PC's. I am oldschool, ghost, etc. Anyway your suggestion would have been a much easier solution had my MS system restore point been current, the last system restore file available for my primary drive was 2011. Looks like I need to delete these old files increase the amount of space delegated for restore points. Appreciate the advice, no worries I'll figure it out.