I'm currently borrowing my Thai sister-in-law's HP Pavilion Laptop that she aparently bought in America last year. She said she never uses it because it has some problems and doesn't really know what to do with it (everything's in English). I've only had the computer a couple of days and have updated it, deleted nonfunctioning Norton AV off it and put on another and it's working brilliantly...except for MS WORD.

I can open the program but when I go to type anything, I have to put the 25 character product key in in order to use it. No problem, found the sticker on the bottom of the com, put it in but alas it's invalid (and the sticker looks like it was peeled off and stuck back on). Living in Thailand a long time this didn't surprise me but she claims she bought it in America. Any suggestions on what to do?

Thanks muchly.

Search for SIW.exe [LINK] and use that to check the system. One option is the product keys on the PC, this will show what keys have been entered {or not}

HTH

Regards

Edited April 8, 200818 yr by A_Traveller

Sticker on the base of the computer - is this for MS Office or just the operating system?

Usually the sticker on the computer is the product key for the operating system, not for any other application programs.

THe sticker is for Microsoft Windows saying it's authentic. I assumed this was the key to enter but it says it's invalid. Could another computer use the product key and make it invalid? I have a phone number for HP in Thailand but its a MS issue not HP issue.

go to your nearest vcd/dvd retailer

As other said, the number on the computer sticker is probably the key for Windows, not for Office (Word).

Does she have any CD, or any documents on which the Office key could be?

What version of word is it?

As sated your entering the microsoft windows operating system key into the microsoft word application keychecker..

Buy a legit word with legit key or steal it..

Just to add, if there is an activation code for Office {must say most PCs come with 'Works' I think they call it} then SIW will display it through Licences.

If the field is blank then no code has been entered or is now available, so you will then need to get the CD's or alternatively consider installing OpenOffice.

Regards

I'm currently borrowing my Thai sister-in-law's HP Pavilion Laptop that she aparently bought in America last year. She said she never uses it because it has some problems and doesn't really know what to do with it (everything's in English). I've only had the computer a couple of days and have updated it, deleted nonfunctioning Norton AV off it and put on another and it's working brilliantly...except for MS WORD.

I can open the program but when I go to type anything, I have to put the 25 character product key in in order to use it. No problem, found the sticker on the bottom of the com, put it in but alas it's invalid (and the sticker looks like it was peeled off and stuck back on). Living in Thailand a long time this didn't surprise me but she claims she bought it in America. Any suggestions on what to do?

Thanks muchly.

Try this website to retrieve the product key http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

Thanks for your replies..

As other said, the number on the computer sticker is probably the key for Windows, not for Office (Word). Does she have any CD, or any documents on which the Office key could be?

Yes, it is for Windows, not Office. No CD for office.

What version of word is it?

Office 2007

Just to add, if there is an activation code for Office {must say most PCs come with 'Works' I think they call it} then SIW will display it through Licences. If the field is blank then no code has been entered or is now available, so you will then need to get the CD's or alternatively consider installing OpenOffice.

The field is blank. Apparently it worked when she first got the computer but it must have been the trial key that was put on the computer and she didn't know what to do after it expired. If I buy/download a new version of Office do I have to remove the other one first? I'm thinking yes, but double checking!

Try this website to retrieve the product key http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

Thanks for the link. The only keys that show are for explorer and Windows, no Office.

Download Belarc Advisor and install, it will show all the software products key in your PC.

Edited April 9, 200818 yr by Thaising

Thanks Thaising... I downloaded as suggested and no product key for Office. Only for IE, Windows, MS Works and Roxio...that's it. Is it possible that if this is a legitimate comp (from America!) that I may be able to contact MS to obtain a new key... if I say the sticker is damaged or something??

I would try to contact HP in America and explain them your problem. With the laptop serial number (write it down before calling) they will tell you if Office was included when she bought it, and in this case may be able to give you the product key.

Why not just install OpenOffice for Windows, thus helping sever another tie to M$?

If that version was cominhg with the Laptop, it's an Trial Version for 60 days only.

Just follow what Gumballl wrote and download OpenOffice! It's free and good as well! and don't need to bother with copyware!!

Cheers

Thanks Thaising... I downloaded as suggested and no product key for Office. Only for IE, Windows, MS Works and Roxio...that's it.

Are you sure your not confusing MS Office with MS Works?

There should be a copy of MS Word with MS Works.

Did you try inserting the product key for the installed Works program?

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction Gumball and Reimar, that will do me brilliantly! Reimar you're right, it does appear that it was only a 60 day trial. Guess I just remove the entire Office program to free up some space now right??

MM - No, not confusing the 2, but I did try using the same product key just to be sure Didn't work obviously!