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    Receiving an error that my product key is invalid

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      Receiving an error that my product key is invalid

      Applies To: Office | Office 2007 | Installing and Activating Microsoft Office Products | Windows XP
      My Office program is asking me to enter my product key, and when I do, it keeps giving a message saying that my product key is invalid.  I don’t know what else to do, I’m sure I’m entering the right numbers and letters.
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      Sangeetha T

      Sangeetha T

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      Hi Sangeetha

      This is a very common question, and the answer is usually one of these two scenarios:

      1.       Did you just install Office from a retail box you just purchased?  If so, go to Control Panel, Programs, Programs and Features and see if there is another copy of Office installed besides the suite you just installed.  Some pre-installed Trial Office 2007 suites can conflict with the product key validation process.  If you see a duplicate copy of Office installed, then uninstall it and try to run your new Office program again.  Chances are your product key will work now.

      2.       If you are using the 25-digit product key that you found on a sticker on the bottom of your laptop or on the back of your desktop case, then you are using the wrong key.  This key is the product key for theWindows operating system, and NOT for the Office Suite.  The correct product key for the Office suite will be in one of these places:

      a.       Inside the retail Office 2007 box (if you bought Office from a retail store)

      b.      Inside an e-mail from the online website where you purchased Office

      c.       On the outside of the CD case, on a sticker

       

      Microsoft has a knowledge base article that goes into more detail around the invalid product key scenario.  It is located at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/836178  , and would be a good place to go if these instructions above do not resolve your issue.

       

       

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