I received a message saying the number in my computer is a fraud.

[mari]

This week, while I was working in my computer(that s aaaaan old one), I
received a message that I had been victim of fraud and I was unable to use
ceratain programs. I have the number in my hands. It was colated to may PC. I
really wish that there is a way to fix the problem without me having to
buyoing what microoft is offering for 150 bucks. I am a student and that is
why I have an old computer. Could you help me?

 

[macropod]

Hello mari,

You could try buying a legitimate copy of your old software from someone selling one (eg try eBay).

Cheers

 

[Terry Farrell]

It sounds a bit fishy to me: I'd first make absolutely certain that this is
a genuine report from Microsoft before doing anything else. There are some
really nasty malware infections that cause this sort of problem and demand
money to resolve it. If this is an old PC using Win98 or WinME, then it may
be very vulnerable to these sort of attacks, especially if you are not using
a good software firewall.

If it is genuine, then look at purchasing Works Suite that includes Word XP
or the Students and Teachers version of Office 2003 if you need more than
just Word. Tread carefully before buying any cheap offers from the Internet
as they may be second hand that have already been registered with MS or they
may be OEM versions that you are not entitled to use (OEM must be purchased
with a new computer or laptop). Don't part with money until you know that
the problem is genuine and the solution will result in legal software.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Terry's advice is very sound. If the software is old (you have been using it
for some time without issue) and the message is new, I would be especially
skeptical.

I am uncertain, however, what you mean by "colated to may PC." If the
software came preinstalled on your PC and has never been activated (if
activation is required), and if the key code you are trying to use is one
that was affixed to the side of your computer, then the key is for Windows,
not Word or Office. You need to look for the CDs that came with your
computer and find the one for Office; the key you need will be on the CD or
its case or on a Certificate of Authenticity. Also, it's possible that the
software you are using was a free trial offer that has expired. None of this
is very likely, however, if your PC is really "old," since activation
affects only recent versions and only the most recent versions (Office 2003
and perhaps 2007) have been widely installed as trial versions on new PCs.
There were some issues with invalid keys for at least one version of Office,
but I would think you would have encountered this issue long since.