Windows 7: Older versions of office

Hi All. I have just upgraded my pc to windows 7 and when I installed my office 97 it all worked for a while and then I started getting a message that it was not a valid copy. I have the original case with the key code and it has worked fine from windows 98 through windows XP. So what is up?

I really do not need to go out and buy the latest version as I only use it for writing letters. Is this a ploy to get me to chuck some more money at Microsoft?



Has this happened to anyone else.?.

Doug

Have you looked at Open Office ???

I believe that there are a few issues using Office 97 with Vista and Windows 7. I had 97 installed when I switched from XP to Vista. The only problem I had was when tried to print something using Word, it (Word) would shut down. I could print with my InkJet but not with my Laser printer. That was the only issue I had, but I did not get the message you are getting. I've never tried it with Windows 7. But, I'm quite certain there are some issues with it. Some of the other members might know if there is a work-around for the issue.

I would call MS and have them fix the validation.

Not that I'm trying to tell you how to spend your money or anyting but Office 97 is like 13/14 years old. And yeah, it's going to have issues with Windows 7

Windows 7 Compatibility Center recommends and upgrade - Windows 7 Compatibility for Microsoft Office 97 Standard: Microsoft. Drivers, Updates, Downloads

You might consider finding something a little more current. I can say for sure that 2007, and obviously Office 2010 work like a champ on Windows 7. I'd also venture to say 2003, but I can't be sure since I only used it on Vista for a short time.

Bottom line you definitely need something newer than Office 97.

Good luck

Double check your key to be sure you didn't mistype it. I also have used Office97 with Windows 7 64bit with no problems. I also use OpenOffice since it recognizes the new Office formats. The only problem I have with OpenOffice is it does not handle envelopes and labels with my Brother laser printer, so that is why I use Office97 Word for that task. Maybe delete it and reinstall.

Jim

Are you using Outlook 97 as well? What about Access, Power Point?

No. At the present I only use Word97 for envelopes and labels. I use OpenOffice for PP and Excel since they handle the new file formats. I use Windows Live Mail for e-mail. If I could get OpenOffice to work properly with my printer I would not use Word97 at all.

Jim

Even if you have MS fix the validation, you will still have some issues with it. Some of the other members mentioned Open Office. That's good advice if you don't want to upgrade MS Office as there is nothing wrong with Open Office and they no doubt have a version that is compatible with Windows 7

Well - Thanks to every one of you for responding. The key was entered correctly as it worked for a few weeks without throwing up this nonsense about illegal copies.
I had given some thought to open office and I may go there yet.
I do not use outlook.
I do use Excel from time to time.
I suppose it is time to upgrade as office is old now. I am just not in the mood to throw more in Microsoft's direction.
Open office might do the trick. I have heard that it is good.
Once again .... Thanks to you all.