I acquired a Dell laptop with a claimed fresh installation of Windows XP. I installed Office 2007. The first time I connected the laptop to the internet, it asked for a Windows OS key. I entered the key from the decal on the bottom of the laptop. It won't accept the key. How can I remove Office before I dispose of the laptop?

Thanks,
Sixto
87 300D

Remove Office 2007.

Go to 'Control Panel', 'Add or Remove Programs', then select Window Office and remove it.

If you are sure that Window is genuine then it is possible the XP installed has a different key then the decal. Is there a 800 number displayed in the Dialog Box? Try to call the number and a recording will tell you how to input a new set of key. It happened to me once when I chaged out a mother board.

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Someone suggested the laptop was refreshed with a non-OEM copy of Windows so the OEM key doesn't work. I'll look for an OEM recovery disk.

ah-kay, I can do it that way if I can get past the login screen. Without a valid key, I can't. I'll see if I get into safe mode.

Sixto
87 300D

BUY A MAC.

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Download an OEM Windows disc image of the correct type and version. Burn it to disc. Install the disc with the key on the bottom of the laptop. If the laptop has a license to use that Windows version, as shown by the sticker, you're not breaking the law.

Alternatively, did you try to hit CTRL-F11 when the laptop starts booting? This should bring you into the restore partition (if the drive hasn't been wiped/replaced) which will reinstall the factory software on the drive.

Turns out the fresh installation was XP Home while the key is for XP Pro. Loaded XP Pro and all is well.

I'll keep saving for a Mac

Sixto
87 300D

Yes. Your quality of life will be much better once you do.

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