Newbie with product key problem

[mkcd872]

I bought a new HP Compaq Presario CQ62 recently and it's got Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit pre installed.

Also preinstalled is the Microsoft Office 60 day trial version with Office 2007 on it though I only became aware of this the other day. Not having had any problems using preinstalled Word on my previous pc I was unaware that they now put trial versions of Office on these new pc's.

What I'm getting at is that I now find that the product key (from the back of the pc) won't unlock Office 2007 and that if I want to use Word I'll have to pay for a new download or disk. The retailer said nothing about this.

I just checked out Microsoft's prices for the full 2010 suite and it's about $150. No way. I checked a site (kattrax.net) and they're offering the Office Standard 2007 Full version for $70.
1) How can I tell if it's really genuine?
2) If it is, do I just go ahead and download it, and what if anything do I need to uninstall first?
3) Product key. It says on their page "After purchasing Office 2007 you can download software or use only Microsoft license key for activation office 2007 and pass Microsoft Genuine Advantage".

What does that mean after "......use only Microsoft license key............."

I'd really appreciate some info/advice about all this.

 

[whs]

1. Office requires its own product key. It does not work off the Win7 key.

2. Hard to say whether that download site is genuine. It is usually better to stick to known sites.

3. You need not uninstall the trial version. Just activate it with a genuine key.

 

[Bill2]

Office 2007 is a commercial product and needs to be bought, the versions preinstalled on oem computers are trials. The key at the back of the PC is a windows 7 key, not an Office 2007 key.

"After purchasing Office 2007 you can download software or use only Microsoft license key for activation office 2007 and pass Microsoft Genuine Advantage" is a very frightening statement IMO. I doubt this site will sell you a genuine copy, so please look for other more reputed sites (either physical or online). Office 2007 also has a Home/student edition which does not have Access and Outlook and is relatively cheap.

 

[mkcd872]

Yes I'm definitely not buying from that site. Amazon has Office & Student 2007 @ $100. (I can only assume that's genuine)

I don't really understand whs's comment (3) about not uninstalling the trial version and using a genuine key. Bear in mind that I'm not tech skilled, but if I downloaded or bought a disk of Office Home & Student 2007 from say Amazon, wouldn't I have to uninstall the existing program first? And wouldn't a new, separate product key come with the new download or disk?

 

[Solarstarshines]

you can try new egg.com and frys.com they have the best prices for keys and OEM products


I don't know if you only want to use just office but i just stumbled upon a deal here you go
http://www.frys.com/product/6222850?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

[Solarstarshines]

Yes I'm definitely not buying from that site. Amazon has Office & Student 2007 @ $100. (I can only assume that's genuine)

I don't really understand whs's comment (3) about not uninstalling the trial version and using a genuine key. Bear in mind that I'm not tech skilled, but if I downloaded or bought a disk of Office Home & Student 2007 from say Amazon, wouldn't I have to uninstall the existing program first? And wouldn't a new, separate product key come with the new download or disk?

WHS point was if you already have the trail version installed just purchase a KEY -ONLY then proceed to enter the key you have gotten then walla it is activated no need to uninstall just enter a key

pretty simple procedure just make sure you read all the instructions and you'll be fine

PS trail key is expiered thus that's why there asking for a new key !

 

[seavixen32]

If you buy another version of Microsoft Office 2007 you will need to uninstall the trial version, and then install the full version you've bought.

If you try to use the retail product key to upgrade the trial version, it won't work, you'll be told the product key is invalid.

From Microsoft:
What is a trial version?

A trial version allows you to evaluate the Office 2010 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.

Activate Office 2010 programs - SharePoint Workspace - Office.com

 

[Bill2]

If you buy another version of Microsoft Office 2007 you will need to uninstall the trial version, and then install the full version you've bought.

If you try to use the retail product key to upgrade the trial version, it won't work, you'll be told the product key is invalid.

From Microsoft:
What is a trial version?

A trial version allows you to evaluate the Office 2010 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.

Activate Office 2010 programs - SharePoint Workspace - Office.com

Not correct. The OP needs to purchase a Product Key for the retail version of the edition of Office 2007 (trial) that is installed on his computer. Theres no need to uninstall and reinstall.

 

[mkcd872]

Sorry but now I'm as confused as ever. Also now looking into openoffice.org but have a feeling it's beyond me.
The only real reason I need something like Microsoft Office (Word) relates to ebook publishing. As in formatting, converting to PDF for kindle, epub etc etc.

 

[whs]

If you buy another version of Microsoft Office 2007 you will need to uninstall the trial version, and then install the full version you've bought.

If you try to use the retail product key to upgrade the trial version, it won't work, you'll be told the product key is invalid.

From Microsoft:
What is a trial version?

A trial version allows you to evaluate the Office 2010 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.

Activate Office 2010 programs - SharePoint Workspace - Office.com

Hmm, in the past I have activated a trial version with my key from the Home and Student 3 systems package without a problem.

 

[Solarstarshines]

Sorry but now I'm as confused as ever. Also now looking into openoffice.org but have a feeling it's beyond me.
The only real reason I need something like Microsoft Office (Word) relates to ebook publishing. As in formatting, converting to PDF for kindle, epub etc etc.

Don't be confused ,Simply just purchase a key ,There are sites that are legit and sells multi keys for a good price or what ever you are looking for

Don't get discouraged by the responses it is all helpfull info you need to soak in these are options my fellow peers offered you for solution

Now it is up to you to Either buy a full copy retail version and go through the Process of uninstall etc .....

Or take the EASY WAY most of us suggested and Purchase a KEY enter it and be done

Now the ball is in your court

 

[whs]

Should you choose to do the (useless) uninstall, you may emcounter problems. Read this first in case you get stuck: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928218

 

[richnrockville]

FWIW: some of the "trial" versions of office 2010 that come pre-installed have versions of word and excel that are called starter versions. They work forever and are just fine for many people. No outlook but works.

Rich
PS: Welcome to the windows 7 forums.