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    I installed an online update to my MS Office 2008 for Mac.  Now it says that I have an invalid product key when I attempt to open any Word file or launch MS Word.  There is a link on the pop-up window to try to correct the problem.  It asks me to go to the Finder and look for a link; I cannot see the link unless I can launch the program and I cannot open the program.  I cannot also locate the update as it appears that the entire Word application has been updated...so I cannot delete the new update.  Please help.
    rpw
    • Moved by Carey FrischMVP Wednesday, October 20, 2010 4:32 AM Moved tp proper forum category (From:Feedback and Comments)
    Wednesday, October 20, 2010 4:14 AM

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    Unfortunately, auction web sites, such as eBay, have become fertile grounds for selling pirated/counterfeit/non-genuine software on computers to unsuspecting buyers.  As Dan pointed out, the software you have installed on the computer is really non-licensed since the seller apparently did not provide any of the original installation media or the Certificate of Authenticity.  Please review: Distribution of Incomplete Software Packages on eBay
    Carey Frisch
    Monday, October 25, 2010 6:15 AM

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    "RPWacks" wrote in message news:3048df8a-b056-4266-894e-735d9ec74270...
    I installed an online update to my MS Office 2008 for Mac.  Now it says that I have an invalid product key when I attempt to open any Word file or launch MS Word.  There is a link on the pop-up window to try to correct the problem.  It asks me to go to the Finder and look for a link; I cannot see the link unless I can launch the program and I cannot open the program.  I cannot also locate the update as it appears that the entire Word application has been updated...so I cannot delete the new update.  Please help.
    rpw
    (Note - I'm not sure whether this is appropriate for MAC users!)
    To properly analyse and solve problems with Activation and Validation, we need to see a full copy of the report produced by the MGADiag tool (download and save to desktop - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012 )
    Once saved, run the tool.
    Click on the Continue button, which will produce the report.
    To copy the report to your response, click on the Copy button in the tool (ignore any error messages at this point), and then paste (using either r-click/Paste, or Ctrl+V ) into your response.
     
    If the tool can't run, then I suggest visiting the Office Validation pages, and attempting to Validate Office. If/when that fails, you should be offered the Diagnostics button - let us know the exact error messages, and any resolution offered which either fails or works.

     

    --

    Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth
    Wednesday, October 20, 2010 8:52 AM
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    Noel,

    Thanks for your reply.  This file looks like a Windows file and not of use to me as a Mac user.

    Any other advice from others??

    rpw
    Thursday, October 21, 2010 8:46 PM
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    Hello, RPWacks

    See the following link: http://www.microsoft.com/mac/help-invalid-key-error.htm

    David
    Microsoft Answers Support Engineer
    Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.
    • Proposed as answer by Darin Smith MS Thursday, October 21, 2010 10:34 PM
    Thursday, October 21, 2010 9:23 PM
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    I see nothing that helps.

    I just spoke with a Microsoft tech rep who tried to help.  He needs the product information which I do not have.  I recently purchased this laptop on ebay which included MS Office 2008 for Mac - just the machine and cords...no discs which is the usual way machines are sold.  It worked fine until I downloaded the online update.  Now I cannot open any Office programs.

    I e-mailed the machine seller for help as well.

    HELP!!!

    rpw
    Friday, October 22, 2010 7:51 PM
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    Hello RPWacks,

    Although the computer came with Office 2008 installed, without the retail package, the genuine hologrammed installation discs, and the Certificate of Authenticity that would be on the retail package, it would seem that you did not in fact received licensed software.

    As you noted, this is something that you have to get resolved with the eBay seller and perhaps eBay itself.

    Buy Office 2007 Now, Get Office 2010 Free http://office2010.microsoft.com/en-us/tech-guarantee/microsoft-office-2010-technology-guarantee-FX101825695.aspx?CTT=97
    Saturday, October 23, 2010 3:45 AM
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    "RPWacks" wrote in message news:0d921102-018b-4026-862d-0b58d39c483b...

    I see nothing that helps.

    I just spoke with a Microsoft tech rep who tried to help.  He needs the product information which I do not have.  I recently purchased this laptop on ebay which included MS Office 2008 for Mac - just the machine and cords...no discs which is the usual way machines are sold.  It worked fine until I downloaded the online update.  Now I cannot open any Office programs.

    I e-mailed the machine seller for help as well.

    HELP!!!

    rpw

    Have you tried the Validation site yet?
     

    --

    Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth
    Sunday, October 24, 2010 2:22 AM
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    Dan,

    This is very unnerving and lacks customer service.  Millions of machines are bought and sold each year with the expectation of usability, performance and trust.    Almost all of them include software which is part of the package.  We also assume and trust that when product or software updates are presented as user benefits or protections, we install them with that trust.    If for any reason the update causes problems or stops work flow -- and income, the situation gets serious.

    I have asked the ebay seller who has no discs nor knowledge of any ability to assist me.  I am counting on Microsoft to do that as I installed an online updater in good faith.

     

    I appreciate your willingness to respond.  Please now connect me with someone who has the authority/discretion to solve my problem.  It has been five days now.  I want to be able to work and to continue to use Microsoft products with a  high level of trust.  This situation puts that t rust into serious jeopardy.  Thanks in advance for your assistance.

    rpw
    Monday, October 25, 2010 5:29 AM
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    Unfortunately, auction web sites, such as eBay, have become fertile grounds for selling pirated/counterfeit/non-genuine software on computers to unsuspecting buyers.  As Dan pointed out, the software you have installed on the computer is really non-licensed since the seller apparently did not provide any of the original installation media or the Certificate of Authenticity.  Please review: Distribution of Incomplete Software Packages on eBay
    Carey Frisch
    Monday, October 25, 2010 6:15 AM
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    Carey,

    Thanks for your response.  While the ebay situation you cite may well be true, that is the way the marketplace operates in terms of purchasing a machine with software from a private party similarly to a retail purchase.    While the main purpose of my query is to get my program launched and operating again as it was when I purchased it in good faith, the other element is concerning the online updates.  It seems that while these online updates may have some benefit -- smoother, safer or more efficient operating ability, one can easily make the case that the updates also serve as a policing mechanism.  As you say unsuspecting users such as myself and who have incomes riding on the use of software such as Word, trustingly use these updates and then are thrown overboard.  This seems apparent.  If this is true, that's fine.  I want to be sure that the 6.5 million small and microbusinesses with whom I have communication know not to use any of the online updates as one or more may compromise their working situation. 

    Please advise.

    Thanks.

    rpw
    Tuesday, October 26, 2010 2:24 AM
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    You hit the nail on the head.

    I am required, by my job, to use XP and either Word 2000 or Word 2003.  I needed a backup computer and purchased a used Dell laptop off a private party who advertised on Craig's List.  AND I PAID MORE THAN IT WAS WORTH BECAUSE IT CAME WITH OFFICE 2003!!!  He even gave me the Dell installation CD, and said it had been his "own personal computer he no longer needed".

    I had no problems with Word until I installed microsoft updates, automatic downloads.  Now I open Word and I get the "your copy is not genuine" deal, and link to purchase Office 2007.

    I DON'T WANT OFFICE 2007.  My employer requires me to use Word 2003 or lower.  I, too, am disgusted that by doing the right thing (not purposely buying pirated software, faithfully downloading microsoft updates and verification tool) I'm right back to square one - no backup thus NO income should my main system go down. 

    I can't help but feel the only purpose of the windows genuine verification tool was to bring an even earlier demise to the tried and true and force people into Windows 7 and whatever flavor of Office is stuffing the coffers now.  Hey - no problem if all I wanted to do was download a netflix movie or check my e-mail, but we are talking about work here.  Yes, I got duped.  Twice. 

    Wednesday, October 27, 2010 2:00 PM
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    Hello RPWacks,

    You wrote, "While the main purpose of my query is to get my program launched and operating again as it was when I purchased it in good faith, the other element is concerning the online updates."

    Personally I have very little experience with Macs and no experience with troubleshooting Office problems on a Mac.

    My suggestions would be to contact Microsoft's tech support number for assistance, which I think you did but were told that the tech rep needs the product information which you do not have.  In order to receive free support from Microsoft, the gatekeeper will first check to ensure that you entitled to retail support and will not proceed further if you are not.  I do believe that you have the option to pay for support.  My only other suggestion would be to request assistance in the Office for Mac forums here:  http://www.officeformac.com/productforums/

    Buy Office 2007 Now, Get Office 2010 Free http://office2010.microsoft.com/en-us/tech-guarantee/microsoft-office-2010-technology-guarantee-FX101825695.aspx?CTT=97
    Wednesday, October 27, 2010 2:22 PM
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    Hello Also Confused,

    Office Genuine Validation is alerting you to the fact that your used computer came with nongenuine Office software installed.

    The installed Office program will continue to work normally.  No documents or data will be lost or deleted, and you will not lose any functionality or access to your documents due to Office Genuine Advantage.  You will be periodically reminded that the installed software is nongenuine.

    If you want to be disgusted, be disgusted with the person who sold you a computer with nongenuine software.

    Buy Office 2007 Now, Get Office 2010 Free http://office2010.microsoft.com/en-us/tech-guarantee/microsoft-office-2010-technology-guarantee-FX101825695.aspx?CTT=97
    Wednesday, October 27, 2010 2:29 PM
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    Dan,

    Thanks.  I have done these steps with no helpful assistance.  Of course, I can pay for support just as I can to purchase a 2nd dinner when something was wrong with the first one. This entire thread seems to not be about support as much as it is about sales.    Had I known that the online updates are as much or more about security than increased ability or performance of the product, I would have opted out of the 'opportunity'.  The insistence of this protective position and against professional, helpful customer service is a huge mistake.

    Regardless of the MS position, those who purchase machines for their hard-earned dollars which include various software programs, feel that they have indeed purchased it and own it; the software is part of the machine and part of the purchase.  By not serving these millions of customers, and by using the updates as a trap in this way, MS is losing ground that advertising dollars cannot buy.  And as a result of this situation, I will continue to look for a solution which involves not spending another penny on MS products but rather with someone who cares about their customers...and with those with whom they network.

    I am still open to appropriate customer service if it is offered.

    Thanks.  Ron

    rpw
    Tuesday, November 2, 2010 1:49 AM