Is this the invalid product key error that you receive?
In 2007 Microsoft OfficeThe key is incorrect. Verify that you have the correct key, and then retype it.
You have not entered a valid Product Key.
Please check the number located on the sticker on the back of the CD case or on your Certificate of Authenticity.
No, this is not the error I see.
Click here to view or hide detailed informationIf this is not the error message that you receive, we recommend searching the Microsoft Knowledge Base for the exact error that you see when you try to type your product key.
Click here to search at support.microsoft.com
(http://support.microsoft.com/search/)
.
Yes, this is the validation error I see.
This error usually indicates the wrong product key was used or it was mistyped. To resolve the problem, follow these steps:
Step 1: Product key characters are not accepted or they are mistyped
Click here to view or hide detailed informationCertain characters in the product key may be mistaken for other characters. The most common mistaken characters are as follows:
- The letter B and the number eight (8)
- The letter O and the number zero (0)
- The letter Q and the number zero (0)
- The letters VV and the letter W
Check the numbers and letters on the product key to make sure that you are not typing an incorrect character and then try re-typing it. If you received the product key in a confirmation email message try copying it from the email to avoid typing errors.
2007 Microsoft Office product keys also do not contain certain characters such as 0, 1, A, and E. If you try to enter one of these characters in the product key box it will not be accepted and a message will be displayed that indicates that it is an invalid character. If you see a message that uses this wording check the numbers and letters on the product key to make sure that you are not typing an incorrect character.
You have to use the product key that was included with your product. If you try to use a different product key it will not be accepted and you will receive this error. Here are some common scenarios:
To check for multiple instances of Microsoft Office, follow these steps:
For Windows 7 or Windows Vista:
Warning: Before you uninstall the additional version of Microsoft Office, please make sure that you have the installation media for it.
- Click Start, and then click All Programs.
- Open the Accessories folder.
- Click Run, and then click in the Open box.
- Type appwiz.cpl, and then click OK.
- Check the list of currently installed programs and verify that there is another copy of an Office suite installed in addition to the suite you have already installed or you are trying to install.
- If you see an additional listing of an Office suite installed, such as a trial version, then uninstall that suite.
Note: If you see the Office Activation Assistant in the list, uninstall it. - Enter the product key for your new version of Office when you are prompted.
Note: If you have problems uninstalling the previous Microsoft Office suite, click
here
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301)
for other uninstall methods.
For Windows XP:
Warning: Before you uninstall the additional version of Microsoft Office, please make sure that you have the installation media for it.
- Click Start.
- Click Run, and then click in the Open box.
- Type appwiz.cpl, and then click OK.
- Check the list of currently installed programs and verify that there is another copy of an Office suite installed in addition to the suite you have already installed or you are trying to install.
- If you see an additional listing of an Office suite installed, such as a trial version, then uninstall that suite.
Note: If you see the Office Activation Assistant in the list, uninstall it. - Enter the product key for your new version of Office when you are prompted.
Note: If you have problems uninstalling the previous Microsoft Office suite, click
here
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301)
for other uninstall methods.
Note: We recommend that you follow the steps that are listed in this article before you try contacting Microsoft Customer Support.
Microsoft Customer Support may be able to provide additional support on this error.
To contact the Microsoft Customer Service Center in North America, call this number:
1-800-MICROSOFT (1-800-642-7676)To contact a Microsoft Customer Service Center outside North America, click
here
(http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx)
.
Do you have problems finding your Office product key?
Click here for information about how to find your Office 2007 product key.
(http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/enter-the-product-key-for-your-2007-office-system-program-HA010176931.aspx)
Click here for information about how to find your Office 2003 product key.
(http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/suites/enter-the-product-key-for-your-microsoft-office-system-program-HA010176924.aspx)
Did you lose your Office product key? Are you looking for information about how to replace it?
Click here for information about how to replace a lost or damaged Microsoft Office product key.
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823570)
Do you want installation and activation information about Office?
Click here for information about how to install and activate 2007 Microsoft Office system programs.
(http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/installation-and-activation-information-for-2007-microsoft-office-programs-HA010173340.aspx)
Note This is a "FAST PUBLISH" article created directly from within the Microsoft support organization. The information contained herein is provided as-is in response to emerging issues. As a result of the speed in making it available, the materials may include typographical errors and may be revised at any time without notice. See
Terms of Use
(http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=151500)
for other considerations.
Article ID: 2549291 - Last Review: May 11, 2011 - Revision: 1.0
APPLIES TO
- Microsoft Office Excel 2003
- Microsoft Office Outlook 2003
- Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003
- Microsoft Office Word 2003
- Microsoft Office Standard Edition 2003
- Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003
- Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2003
- Microsoft Office Excel 2007
- Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
- Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007
- Microsoft Office Word 2007
- Microsoft Office Basic 2007
- Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007
- Microsoft Office Standard 2007
- Microsoft Office Small Business 2007
- Microsoft Office Professional 2007
- Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007
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