Computers & Networking

[lyssalove5]

I recently bought a Compaq laptop from Best Buy and it requires a product key to allow use of Microsoft Office programs. I was not given the product key and do not know how to acquire it without payment for a new one. Help!

[Noob]

Hi...

Did Best Buy install any version of Microsoft Office for you?  If so, then the product key will be inside the Microsoft office case that you received when you bought it.

If you haven't purchased the Microsoft office from Best Buy, then that means you were using the trial version that came with the computer when you bought it.  You will have to purchase a copy of Microsoft office if you want to continue using it.  To obtain the product key, you must buy a copy of the program.

[RealGeorgeW Emerging Expert]

I'm going to presume that you just bought the computer and saw the trial on the desktop.

That's all it is, a trial, if you like the program, then you have to pay to keep it.

We have the Home and Student version on sale now(Last time I checked) for about $100. 

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

Many computer classes work with Microsoft products however on our campus at American River College they previously taught classes about open office.

[gamespy5]

To clarify for you. The copy of Office that was preinstalled onto the unit IS in fact a trial. You must activate that trial using the Trial Activation (usually on the desktop or inside the folder with office under the all programs list). That will activate the 60 day trial. Otherwise you can use it I think 30 times then it asks that you purchase the full version.