Product Key Codes for XP Pro downgrade?

All right, guys, I am at the end of my rope. I have a shiny new T400 I ordered with the Vista Business-XP Pro downgrade installed. As part of that, I expected to have access to the XP Office programs included. Now, when I went to open Word, it prompted for the 25 digit product key code. After several minutes of blinding stupidity and frustration in which I searched packaging high and low for the mysterious number since I knew about the nonexistent recovery media, I found the code on the bottom of my laptop. *headdesk* Right, problem solved. . . except the code /doesn't work/ in the XP office application.

From what I can tell, the downgrades to XP aren't being provided with their own separate key codes, as it's under a blanket clause/volume license of some sort. But I am totally at a loss for what that means when the Vista code doesn't work for accessing included programs. Now, does this mean I am incredibly stupid and missing an obvious source of a separate key code for my XP Office programs, or am I expected to shell out more to get access to those programs?

 

did you purchase office with you laptop?

if so they shound be coa or key for it

you do know only come with 90 day trail installed you did,nt puchase office with your laptop

the code on laptop was for operate system office is not include with windows is serprated purchase you only have key if you broght it other wise you have demo preinstall

 

Right. See, that, that would have been handy to know, seeing as how I thought that was covered when I bought the OS. Silly me. Obviously, it's the "more money" option. Thanks for the quick reply!

Aaaand freeware looks like the way to go rather than a $300 additional cost. Wow, I can't believe I was that naive. Ah well, you live and learn.