Question about uninstall and reinstall of Office

I am completely reformatting my HD and I was wondering something about OFFICE 2003. When I reinstall will it be as simple as just inserting the CD and following the directions (such as I did on the original install) or will I have trouble due to the CD activation. I guess I am worried that because I activated the liscense and it will not let me reinstall it (due to online activition) because it will think that I am pirating the software. Thanks.

 

I would think it would let you re-install as long as the hardware is the same, at least that is how XP works. If you have any problems, I would call MIcrosoft. As long as you have a valid licence, which it sounds like you do, they are not going to give you any problems.






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You won't have any problems. I've installed Office 2003 on 3 machines over 2+ years as I've bought new ones.

Brian

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Brian,

How have you been able to activate on three different machines? I just had a Dell die on me and I am trying to reinstall Office XP Small Business 2002 on my new HP zv6000 and it won't let me activate! I called Microsoft (as required by the install window) and they said that the software was only good on the original computer and it would "die" with that computer, as well. I'm really bummed about it (I didn't expect it), and I would like to know if it is possible to get around this?? Thanks.

 

I wonder if its because it is Business version and not the standard version. I have the student 2003 version and I have been able to install it on two of my pcs, possibly 3.

 

it will reinstall, im pretty sure it doesnt even have to be the same hardware...but it will def reinstall on the same computer

 

No problem at all. I have already installed office 2003 3 times after a format, and had no problem reactivating. I did it on the same machine, not sure if you change the hardware if it would be as simple ... but since you're not, then no need to worry, just go ahead and format!

BTW I use the proffesional edition ... I never tried to activate it on a second PC ... anyone has a clue if I can since SG managed to install it (student edition) on 2 PCs???

 

This may or may apply since it's an older edition, but I have the Office 2000 SBE CDs that I got with my old Inspiron 8000 (originally running on Windows Me, then XP Home) and it installed just fine on my new Latitude D610 running XP Pro. I had to enter the Product Key, but didn't have any problems.

 

Maybe there like some kind of set limit on the number times you can install Office before the license becomes invalid?

I did have one problem a few years ago. I had an older version of Office and installed it on my desktop several times. I got a new laptop, and installed it on there. Then 3 weeks later I ended up reformatting the laptop again, and reinstalled it. It wouldn't accept the license and gave me information to call MS. I called MS and they reinstated my license.

I haven't installed 2003 office that many times. Probably 3 times now and it has always accepted my license with no problem.

 

I researched this as I recently replaced my laptop (for which I had a license for Office XP). It is not possible to transfer a license to a new computer, as Microsoft treats the license on a machine basis, instead of on user level as they used to. This is true for all versions above, but not including Office 2000.
However, the student license of the software is different, and allows you to install the software on up to 3 computers. That is why a user here was able to install it on a different computer.
Hope that cleared it up some!

 

I have to disgree with ya--Microsoft OSes are licensed per machine, but applications (like Office, Access, etc.) are still allowed to be installed on up to two different machines. See this (click the item in the second bullet at the top of the page, "Download current product use rights": Microsoft product use rights

That being said, I have installed XP Pro on more than one machine with no problem also (not strictly legal, but it did work).

 

My understanding of copyrights infringements (sp??) is as lgandg states. You are allowed to install it in two machines if and only if the application is used one at a time. Meaning, that if you bought this application for work, and you will need to use it at home too, then you can. Since you will never be at the office and at home at the same time the software will never be used simultaneously. Sigh.. is that clear???

Now, I have no idea why you wouldn't be able to re-installed your full licensed software. I have Office 2003 Profesional Edition, and I have installed it several times on my hardrive (1-HDD crashed, 2- HDD reformat 3- HDD upgrade). I have also installed it on my laptop with no problem.

C.

 

Are these OEM or Retail versions we are talking about ?

perhaps these two install differently