[Spridgets] Microsoft software question - no LBC

[Ron Soave]

Daniel! So great to hear from you. I almost never check this email and glad I did. I asked AI for help. Here is the response:

	1.	Incompatibility with Windows 11:
      •   Office 2010 is quite old and may have compatibility issues with Windows 11. Some features, including activation processes, might not work correctly on the newer OS.
	2.	Internet Activation Issues:
      •   Sometimes, the software may not connect to Microsoft’s activation servers, which could be causing the missing activation code issue.
	3.	Key Already in Use:
      •   If the Office 2010 license was used multiple times on other machines, it might have reached its activation limit, preventing a new code generation.
	4.	Installation of Different Versions:
      •   Since you installed the 32-bit version, if the original key was tied to a 64-bit installation, it might be causing validation problems.

Potential Solutions:

	1.	Try the Office Activation Troubleshooter:
      •   Microsoft provides a troubleshooter that can diagnose and fix activation issues. Try running it from the Control Panel under “Troubleshooting” > “Programs.”
	2.	Manual Phone Activation (Alternative Method):
      •   If the software isn’t generating an activation code automatically, try running the command prompt as an administrator and using the following command to force manual activation:

cscript "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14\OSPP.VBS" /act

This might help initiate the process and generate a code.

	3.	Use the “Change Product Key” Option:
      •   Go to “File” > “Help” > “Change Product Key” in Office and enter the key manually to see if it prompts an activation dialog.
	4.	Reinstall Office 2010:
      •   If the original installation was corrupted or missing key components, uninstalling and reinstalling (if you can find the 64-bit version) might resolve the issue.
	5.	Contacting Microsoft Support (Persistence Needed):
      •   Although it may take time, contacting Microsoft support and explaining that the activation wizard is not providing an installation ID might help. Sometimes, they can manually provide activation assistance.

Long-Term Solution:

If all else fails and activation proves to be a dead end, consider alternatives such as:

   •   Microsoft 365 Personal Subscription: Affordable with the latest features.
   •   LibreOffice or OpenOffice: Free alternatives that can handle basic Office tasks.
   •   Discounted Office 2021 Perpetual License: If a newer version is needed but without a subscription.

If you think she’ll resist purchasing new software, it might be time for a gentle push to upgrade or switch to free alternatives that meet her needs.


Ron Soave

> On Jan 25, 2025, at 3:54 PM, Weslake1330 via Spridgets <spridgets at autox.team.net> wrote:
> 
> List,
> 
> Unlike myself, my wife never spends any money on anything computer related and waits for me to resolve her problems....
> 
> Currently she has a very nice Microsoft SurfacePro laptop I got her and it is running W11.  Her old PC ran W1O and Home Office 2010 that was family software (I think you could have 4 users on it).  I installed Office 2010 ok but the 32 bit version because one of my daughters has or has lost the 64 bit disc and isn't owning up to it.
> 
> So far so good except I can't activate the software because it does not generate an activation code which means you can't activate it by phone either.  After spending some time on hold to MS I gave up and thought I would ask the list instead.
> 
> The solution of course is for her to 'find' the money for a more recent copy of office just like I had to for myself, this doesn't seem very likely in the near future.  So any ideas why the software won't generate an activation code and would spending time on a long call to Microsoft simply be a waste of my time (yes, she isn't good with this kind of phone call)?
> 
> Thanks and probably better than googling for an answer again and if the list draws a blank I'll tell him to start saving up and to stop wasting money on stuff she doesn't need . ..