1 Answer

• I purchased Office from a retailer (on disc)


• I purchased an Office Product Key Card


• I purchased and downloaded Office online


• I purchased a new computer with Office installed


• My company installed Office on my computer

Activate over the Internet or by phone

When you enter your valid Product Key, the Activation Wizard automatically runs and it gives you two choices on how to proceed:

• Activate by using the Internet     The Activation Wizard automatically contacts the Microsoft licensing servers through your Internet connection. If you are using a valid Product Key that has not already been used for the allowed number of installations, your product is activated immediately.

When you activate through the Internet, your product ID (derived from the installation Product Key) is sent to Microsoft. A response (the confirmation ID) is sent back to your computer to activate your product. If you choose to activate your product through the Internet and you are not already connected, the wizard alerts you that there is no connection.

• Activate by using the telephone     You can telephone an Activation Center and activate your product with the help of a customer service representative.

 IMPORTANT   Activation Center numbers are not listed in this article, because there are many numbers, and the correct number for you is based on several factors. Microsoft software can be obtained under various licenses, including individual retail licenses, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) licenses, and volume licenses. Telephone numbers vary by product license and country/region. In step 2 of the Activation Wizard, use the telephone number provided to call the Microsoft Activation Center.

Telephone activation might take longer than activation through the Internet. You should be at your computer when you call, and you should have your software Product Key available. 

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