cannot get product ID because disk is bad...now what?

[Jmorrill]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: Intel

I recently purchased a copy of office for Mac 2008 from an online seller who does not take returns of opened software (understandably). However, the CD that contains the basic applications (WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT, Etc...) is not readable.

A few points to this:
(1) The box of software was sealed and new
(2) This CD was tried in 2 MACs and 1 PC - none were readable
(3)These same machines (2 MAcs and 1 PC) were subsequently able to read another disk, and the drive checked out in all diagnostics.
(4) Cleaning the CD was tried and steps 2-3 were repeated with to no avail.

I have the codes: Is it possible to download a copy of this software to my MAC and use the codes I have to "unlock/verify" the software? Is it possible to get a different hard disk sent where I could use my provided codes?

But the biggest question by far is the product IDs. In order to get into support I need the product IDs ... These are accessible during and from an installation, but the codes I see on the box, on the software do not seem to be product IDs. Any help on where to find these IDs to progress through MS support menus or what to do next?

Many thanks--Jmorrill

---Many thanks in advance...

 

[CyberTaz]

The IDs don't exist until the software is installed ‹ they're generated at
that time but in the case of a defective disk that should make no
difference. Is the Mac rejecting the disk or is it just not able to read it?

Have you actually talked to MS Support?

First try this: Launch Apple's DVDPlayer app & reset for the maximum speed,
then try installing again. [BTW: It's not surprising that a PC won't read
the disk.]

If the disk still can't be read contact MS Support at (800) MICROSOFT
(642-7676). Make sure they understand that the disk is unreadable, therefore
you *can't* install. Have your proof of purchase info on hand at the time
you call.

FYI: Office is available for download but the Product Keys for packaged
product *will not work* with it (or vice versa).

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[CyberTaz]

P.S. ‹ This link may be helpful:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246


BTW: I fully understand vendor policies re *returns* on opened software, but
IMHO those who will not *exchange* defective product within 30 days of
purchase go to the bottom of the list for future business ... How can you
know it's defective until you open it? Also, especially if this is a
personal purchase, there is an "implied warranty of merchantability"
depending on what country you're in which establishes that right. Refusal to
exchange defects is in direct violation of the law in most areas. The vendor
may give you a hard time because they don't want to bother with it, but if
you press them hard enough they will cooperate.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

The IDs don't exist until the software is installed ‹ they're generated at
that time but in the case of a defective disk that should make no
difference. Is the Mac rejecting the disk or is it just not able to read it?

Have you actually talked to MS Support?

First try this: Launch Apple's DVDPlayer app & reset for the maximum speed,
then try installing again. [BTW: It's not surprising that a PC won't read
the disk.]

If the disk still can't be read contact MS Support at (800) MICROSOFT
(642-7676). Make sure they understand that the disk is unreadable, therefore
you *can't* install. Have your proof of purchase info on hand at the time
you call.

FYI: Office is available for download but the Product Keys for packaged
product *will not work* with it (or vice versa).

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: Intel

I recently purchased a copy of office for Mac 2008 from an online seller who
does not take returns of opened software (understandably). However, the CD
that contains the basic applications (WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT, Etc...) is not
readable.

A few points to this:
(1) The box of software was sealed and new
(2) This CD was tried in 2 MACs and 1 PC - none were readable
(3)These same machines (2 MAcs and 1 PC) were subsequently able to read
another disk, and the drive checked out in all diagnostics.
(4) Cleaning the CD was tried and steps 2-3 were repeated with to no avail.

I have the codes: Is it possible to download a copy of this software to my
MAC
and use the codes I have to "unlock/verify" the software? Is it possible to
get a different hard disk sent where I could use my provided codes?

But the biggest question by far is the product IDs. In order to get into
support I need the product IDs ... These are accessible during and from an
installation, but the codes I see on the box, on the software do not seem to
be product IDs. Any help on where to find these IDs to progress through MS
support menus or what to do next?

Many thanks--Jmorrill

---Many thanks in advance...

 

[Diane Ross]

BTW: I fully understand vendor policies re *returns* on opened software, but
IMHO those who will not *exchange* defective product within 30 days of
purchase go to the bottom of the list for future business ...

Feel free to post which vendor so others will know to avoid them as well.