What is Activation?
To continue to use all of the features of your product, you must activate the product. Microsoft Product Activation is a
Microsoft anti-piracy technology designed to verify that software products are legitimately licensed.
Activation works by verifying that the Product Key, which you must supply to install the product, is not in use on more
personal computers than are permitted by the software license.
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How do I activate my Microsoft Office programs?
When you start your Office program for the first time after installation, you are prompted to enter your Product Key, if
you have not already done so during Setup.
Grace period Before you enter a valid Product Key, you can run the software up to 25 times. This is known as the
grace period. During the grace period, certain features or programs may be enabled that are not included in the
product you have purchased. After you enter a valid Product Key, you will see only the programs and features you
have purchased.
Reduced Functionality mode After the grace period, if you have not entered a valid Product Key, the software goes
into Reduced Functionality mode. In Reduced Functionality mode, your software behaves similarly to a viewer. You
cannot save modifications to documents or create new documents, and functionality might be reduced. No existing
files or documents are harmed in Reduced Functionality mode. After you enter your Product Key and activate your
software, you will have full functionality for the programs and features you purchased.
Activate over the Internet or by phone
When you enter your valid Product Key, the Activation Wizard automatically runs. The Activation Wizard 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 through an encrypted transfer. 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.
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. Telephone numbers for Activation
Centers vary by product license and country/region. Use the number provided on your Activation Wizard
screen to call the Microsoft Activation Center.
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 contact numbers vary by license and country/region. In step 2 of the Activation Wizard,
use the number provided to call the Microsoft Activation Center.
1. In the Activation Wizard, select the country/region where you reside and where you plan to
use the product.
The wizard provides one or more telephone numbers.
2. Call the Activation Center.
The customer service representative asks you for your installation ID (displayed on your screen) and
other relevant information. After your installation ID is verified, you receive a confirmation ID.
3. In the Activation Wizard, type the confirmation ID in the spaces provided at the bottom of
the screen, and then press ENTER.
NOTES
1. Telephone activation is not available for Trial and Subscription versions.
2. Microsoft Text Telephone (TT/TTY) services are available for individuals who are deaf or
hard of hearing. In the United States, using a TT/TTY modem, dial (800) 718-1599. From outside the
United States, using a TT/TTY modem, dial (716) 871-6859. TT/TTY service is only available in
English.
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How do I activate at a later time?
If you don't want to activate your copy of the software when you install it, you can activate it later.
1. Do one of the following in these 2007 Microsoft Office system programs:
Access, Excel, PowerPoint, or Word
1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Program Name Options.
2. Click Resources, and then click Activate.
InfoPath, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, Project, SharePoint Designer, or Visio
1. On the Help menu, click Activate Product.
Follow the instructions in the Activation Wizard.
If you have a problem with your activation, contact a customer service representative by using the
telephone number provided in the wizard.
NOTE Telephone support is not available for Trial and Subscription versions, so the wizard will not
provide a telephone number for either of these.
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How can I tell whether my software has already been
activated?
1. Do one of the following in these 2007 Microsoft Office system programs:
Access, Excel, PowerPoint, or Word
1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Program Name Options.
2. Click Resources, and then click Activate.
InfoPath, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, Project, SharePoint Designer, or Visio
1. On the Help menu, click Activate Product.
If your software is activated, you receive the following confirmation message:
This product has already been activated.
If your software is not activated, the Activation Wizard starts. Follow the instructions in the Activation
Wizard.
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What is a Trial version?
A Trial version allows you to evaluate the 2007 Office release for a limited amount of time, typically 30 or 60 days.
NOTE Some Trial versions cannot be converted to the Full product. In such cases, you must uninstall the Trial
version and install the Full product separately.
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What does Convert mean?
Convert means you have finished evaluating a Trial version and have decided to purchase the Full product. You are
prompted to provide a Product Key that you already have or will purchase online.
