Microsoft, I want to buy office, please help me, I'm desperate

[Confused Senior]

Have new laptop with Vista HP, no office trial. Vista activated and
registered. SP2 downloaded and installed. Cannot get by without office for
word, excel docs. etc. Downloaded Office trial home and student, extracts
files etc. and then tries to install, up comes error code 2709 internal
error, sends report then nothing. Downloaded Office standard - same errors.
Downloaded trial Office professional (after installing SP2) Parts 1 and 2 -
huge download - 635 MB still will not install - same error code. Got all
these downloads on desktop in folder all with installation keys and keep
trying to install with no luck. Microsoft absolutely no help and urges me to
buy a disc. I would be completely mad to spend money on a disc when my
computer doesn't seem to want to install Office at all. Microsoft I have
money, I want office, I have brand new laptop, why is your office trial
seemingly incompatable with Vista HP and why don't you understand your own
error codes and provide me with a solution? Is there another non-microsoft
program I can buy and install that will allow me to open files with word or
excell or powerpoint? I am not able to deal with anything too technical as I
am not young anymore.

 

[YvonneW]

Try OpenOffic
http://2009-version.com/openoffice/index.asp?aff=11226&camp=ovau_suite&se=yahoo

 

[Confused Senior]

Thanks Yvonne, I did look at this and wasn't sure whether to download it.
Will I be able to open Word, Excel and Powerpoint docs with it?

 

[YvonneW]

Their website says:
Free 24/7 customer support
* Edit Word, Excel & Power Point files
* Read and write PDF files just like Adobe
* Bonus antivirus program included
* Improved features of MS Office
* Free source code and much more!

I haven't used it but I know of others who have,

 

[Tom Willett]

It tells you on the web site.

message : Thanks Yvonne, I did look at this and wasn't sure whether to download it.
: Will I be able to open Word, Excel and Powerpoint docs with it?
:
: "YvonneW" wrote:
:
: > Try OpenOffice
: >
http://2009-version.com/openoffice/index.asp?aff=11226&camp=ovau_suite&se=yahoo
: >
: >
: > "Confused Senior" wrote:
: >
: > > Have new laptop with Vista HP, no office trial. Vista activated and
: > > registered. SP2 downloaded and installed. Cannot get by without
office for
: > > word, excel docs. etc. Downloaded Office trial home and student,
extracts
: > > files etc. and then tries to install, up comes error code 2709
internal
: > > error, sends report then nothing. Downloaded Office standard - same
errors.
: > > Downloaded trial Office professional (after installing SP2) Parts 1
and 2 -
: > > huge download - 635 MB still will not install - same error code. Got
all
: > > these downloads on desktop in folder all with installation keys and
keep
: > > trying to install with no luck. Microsoft absolutely no help and
urges me to
: > > buy a disc. I would be completely mad to spend money on a disc when
my
: > > computer doesn't seem to want to install Office at all. Microsoft I
have
: > > money, I want office, I have brand new laptop, why is your office
trial
: > > seemingly incompatable with Vista HP and why don't you understand your
own
: > > error codes and provide me with a solution? Is there another
non-microsoft
: > > program I can buy and install that will allow me to open files with
word or
: > > excell or powerpoint? I am not able to deal with anything too
technical as I
: > > am not young anymore.

 

[LVTravel]

Have new laptop with Vista HP, no office trial. Vista activated and
registered. SP2 downloaded and installed. Cannot get by without office
for
word, excel docs. etc. Downloaded Office trial home and student, extracts
files etc. and then tries to install, up comes error code 2709 internal
error, sends report then nothing. Downloaded Office standard - same
errors.
Downloaded trial Office professional (after installing SP2) Parts 1 and
2 -
huge download - 635 MB still will not install - same error code. Got all
these downloads on desktop in folder all with installation keys and keep
trying to install with no luck. Microsoft absolutely no help and urges me
to
buy a disc. I would be completely mad to spend money on a disc when my
computer doesn't seem to want to install Office at all. Microsoft I have
money, I want office, I have brand new laptop, why is your office trial
seemingly incompatable with Vista HP and why don't you understand your own
error codes and provide me with a solution? Is there another
non-microsoft
program I can buy and install that will allow me to open files with word
or
excell or powerpoint? I am not able to deal with anything too technical
as I
am not young anymore.

With your new laptop, do you already have a trial versions of software
installed? Most new computers do come with some version already installed.
Look in Control Panel, Programs and Features to see if one is already
installed. If so, uninstall it and attempt to install your downloaded
version. If you do purchase a program via download always purchase the
CD/DVD version backup media or make a copy of the downloaded install file
that can be taken away from the computer for later reinstall.

Open Office (OO) will read and write to Office formatted files. The
interface is somewhat similar to Office 2003 and before but the newest
version will read Office 2007 formatted files. You need to change the
default output type to Office format because initially the program tries to
save in the OO format. Not 100% compatible but it has worked for me when I
didn't want to install Office version on a computer that I was giving away.

 

[Confused Senior]

No. I do not have office trial on my new computer, I've looked everywhere. I
will try Open Office and see how I go with that. The frustrating thing is
that my old laptop with Vista (two years old) had office pre-installed, which
I paid for, but no disc and I can not transfer the programme to my new
computer. I didn't realise the importance of insisting on buying the
programme with a disc. I now have to resend any emails with attachments to
my old computer to open. I can't understand why it is so hard to get
microsoft to allow me to spend some more money with them!!

 

[Gordon]

The frustrating thing is
that my old laptop with Vista (two years old) had office pre-installed,
which
I paid for, but no disc

Then the place you bought it from should have given you the disk without
being asked. As they did NOT, it's highly likely that they were into dodgy
Office installs. There is NO reason at all why they should not have given
you a disk, other than that fact that they either installed a version to
which you weren't entitled to use, or used the disk to install (illegally)
on more than one system.

I would stay well clear of that vendor in future.

 

[Echo S]

Well, often when you purchase Office along with a new computer, you get
what's known as an OEM version. OEM stands for "original equipment
manufacturer," and it means that Office is tied to that computer. When you
get a new computer, you cannot just (legally) install the old Office on the
new computer.

As others have cautioned, it's good to get install discs, but the fact that
you didn't doesn't necessarily mean anything was done wrong.

Since you do still have the old system with Office there, you couild
definitely install the free Open Office suite on the new computer for
viewing files. I probably wouldn't edit files on it, though, because going
back and forth between Microsoft Office and Open Office can be a pain with
regards to formatting.

If you just need to view files on the new system, you could also download
free Viewers from Microsoft. I know PowerPoint has one here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...98-5003-4DC1-88EC-3E151E4DC790&displaylang=en
Here's Word:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...FamilyID=3657ce88-7cfa-457a-9aec-f4f827f20cac
Here's Excel:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...FamilyID=1cd6acf9-ce06-4e1c-8dcf-f33f669dbc3a

Finally, Office Home and Student allows you to install on up to three
computers. So if you can get your install discs, you may be able to do that.
I think there's an OEM version of Office Home and Student, though, and I'm
not sure how many installations that allows or how that works. You might
want to contact the manufacturer of your original system and ask them.

Also, if you open one of the applications and choose Office Button |
<application> Options, you can go to the Resources tab and click the About
button to see what that says -- it may tell you what type of Office suite
you have installed. (That was a new feature in Office 2007 that I like a
lot.)

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://tinyurl.com/36grcd
PowerPoint 2007 Complete Makeover Kit http://tinyurl.com/32a7nx

Don't Miss the PPTLive User Conference! Atlanta | Oct 11-14

 

[Gordon]

As others have cautioned, it's good to get install discs, but the fact
that you didn't doesn't necessarily mean anything was done wrong.

If the OP has PAID for Office then the disk should have been supplied.
(Office is not the same as Windows). The fact that disks were NOT supplied
implies dodgy activity by the vendor. There is NO reason why disks should
not have been supplied (even if Office is OEM) unless the vendor is into
some sort of dodgy practices.

 

[LVTravel]

You can probably forget about the previous version of Office from the old
computer. It is probably an OEM version and would die with the old
computer.

Lets worry about the installation issue for your new computer.

Go to http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;290301 and try
the installation cleanup shown on this page. Then try to install whatever
trial pack you will eventually want to pay for and run on the new computer.
Once you find that you can run the software I recommend that you go to
Amazon.com (they normally have the best rates for software I have found) and
find the exact same version of the trial software that you downloaded and
installed and purchase a retail version from them. Then when it arrives,
uninstall the trial version from the Control Panel, Programs and Features
(along with any activation assistant) and reboot the computer. Then install
the paid for version from the disk. The good thing about the retail
version, it can be transferred to another computer in the future where OEM
versions can't.

 

[Echo S]

If the OP has PAID for Office then the disk should have been supplied.
(Office is not the same as Windows). The fact that disks were NOT supplied
implies dodgy activity by the vendor. There is NO reason why disks should
not have been supplied (even if Office is OEM) unless the vendor is into
some sort of dodgy practices.

I disagree. I don't like the fact that they don't all send separate install
disks, but it's not unusual for the Office installation to be included on
the system restore discs and what have you. I don't consider that "dodgy."
YMMV.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://tinyurl.com/36grcd
PowerPoint 2007 Complete Makeover Kit http://tinyurl.com/32a7nx

Don't Miss the PPTLive User Conference! Atlanta | Oct 11-14

 

[Gordon]

I disagree. I don't like the fact that they don't all send separate
install disks, but it's not unusual for the Office installation to be
included on the system restore discs and what have you. I don't consider
that "dodgy." YMMV.

But it was implicit in the Op that Office wasn't ON the Restore disk....

 

[Echo S]

But it was implicit in the Op that Office wasn't ON the Restore disk....

Again, I disagree.

What I see from one of the responses is this:

The frustrating thing is that my old laptop with Vista (two years old) had
office pre-installed, which I paid for, but no disc and I can not transfer
the programme to my new computer. I didn't realise the importance of
insisting on buying the programme with a disc.

I still maintain that Office could be on the system restore disc. It's not
unusual for people to not realize that they do have the discs -- it's just
that they're on the system restore. Of course, that doesn't help them if
they want to install Office on another system. And some might argue that's
rightfully so, since it's OEM software.

Additionally, it's not unusual for OEMs to put the system restore files on a
partition on the harddrive and not provide separate discs. Again, it's not a
practice I like, but it's not unheard of or necessarily wrong.

We can speculate on the poster's situation all we want, but it doesn't
really matter for this subsequent discussion. (And again, I will agree that
I prefer to have separate install discs. This is one reason I won't buy
software when I buy a computer.) All I'm saying here is that "no disc" does
not necessarily translate to "dodgy."

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://tinyurl.com/36grcd
PowerPoint 2007 Complete Makeover Kit http://tinyurl.com/32a7nx

Don't Miss the PPTLive User Conference! Atlanta | Oct 11-14

 

[Steve Rindsberg]

But it was implicit in the Op that Office wasn't ON the Restore disk....

But was it implicit that there *was* a restore disk? If so, I missed it.

Many manufacturers ship PCs w/o restore disks of any kind.
The restore utility might be on a hidden partition and they *may* provide a
utility that allows you to create your own restore disks.

 

[Confused Senior]

Just to clarify a few things. My old system came with OEM product packaging
and product key, certificate of authenticity etc. inside the cover it says
"no disc is provided in this package" futhermore it also says that a backup
copy is available from m'soft, but only within 90 days of purchasing the
computer. It is also non-transferable. I asked someone at M'soft if it
would have been better for me to have bought the product at a retail outlet
so I could reuse it and he said yes!! but was mystified why I couldn't
install a trial on my new system - so no help there.

There is no problem buying a retail product locally and I will gladly spend
the money to save me dragging around two laptops - one my new one and one my
old one to open the many office based files sent to me, but if I buy a
programme I do not know whether it will install on my system.

My new computer is free at present of all the junk one collects and I can't
see what there would be to clean up, I am very nervous of running programmes
etc. because if I choose the wrong one I will be totally lost in trying to
restore it. Is it just me or does anyone else think this situation is
unbelievable that my new computer's Vista is incompatable with office and
that microsoft doesn't understand it either? I sometimes think I'm in the
"Twilight Zone".

 

[Echo S]

If I were you, I would purchase Office retail (so you definitely have the
discs and can install Office on another computer at another time). You could
purchase Office Home and Student, which actually allows you to install on 3
devices.

You can buy and download online if you want. Just be sure to make a CD with
the installation file and product code on it so you have the installation
files later. I'd make a couple of CDs and print out the product code, too.
(Or you can order the discs from the online retailer for an extra $10 or
$20. Definitely worth it, I think.)

Then I'd uninstall any Office programs or trials that are installed on the
(new) computer and install Office from the disc or downloaded file. And if I
had trouble, I'd contact Microsoft -- they do offer free installation
support.

You might also be able to use this information
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928218/ to resolve your installation issues,
but honestly, I'd let Microsoft work through it.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
What's new in PPT 2007? http://www.echosvoice.com/2007.htm
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://tinyurl.com/36grcd
PowerPoint 2007 Complete Makeover Kit http://tinyurl.com/32a7nx

Don't Miss the PPTLive User Conference! Atlanta | Oct 11-14

 

[LVTravel]

Just to clarify a few things. My old system came with OEM product
packaging
and product key, certificate of authenticity etc. inside the cover it
says
"no disc is provided in this package" futhermore it also says that a
backup
copy is available from m'soft, but only within 90 days of purchasing the
computer. It is also non-transferable. I asked someone at M'soft if it
would have been better for me to have bought the product at a retail
outlet
so I could reuse it and he said yes!! but was mystified why I couldn't
install a trial on my new system - so no help there.

There is no problem buying a retail product locally and I will gladly
spend
the money to save me dragging around two laptops - one my new one and one
my
old one to open the many office based files sent to me, but if I buy a
programme I do not know whether it will install on my system.

My new computer is free at present of all the junk one collects and I
can't
see what there would be to clean up, I am very nervous of running
programmes
etc. because if I choose the wrong one I will be totally lost in trying to
restore it. Is it just me or does anyone else think this situation is
unbelievable that my new computer's Vista is incompatable with office and
that microsoft doesn't understand it either? I sometimes think I'm in the
"Twilight Zone".

Please read my full comments below!

I can understand your concern about running programs but you have a computer
issue and I am trying to help. Please let us know the make and model of
your new laptop computer you have purchased.

If it is a mainstream unit from companies like Dell, Gateway, HP, etc. it
will have a trial version of Office installed on it without a doubt. The
only way it won't have a trial on it is if you purchased from a mom & pop
type of store that custom builds the laptop. To check, Click the Start Orb,
then Control Panel and when that opens click Programs and Features. When
that fully populates look for Microsoft Office in the list of programs. If
it is there, it will hang the installation of any other Office programs,
trial or retail and give results similar to what you are experiencing.

All versions of Vista is totally compatible with Office 2003 and also Office
2007, all versions. I have both series of Office installed onto three
different computers all running different versions of Vista presently. Two
HP laptops and one Gateway desktop. All of those computers had Office
trials preinstalled on them by the manufacturers that I had to remove prior
to installing my purchased retail products. The latest install was onto a
Compaq laptop that I just picked up for the wife and it also had Vista Home
Premium and Office trial preinstalled (of course Compaq is owned by HP now.)

 

[Confused Senior]

My computer is a Toshiba A350 Intel Core 2 duo. Processor 2.4ghz. 4 gigs ram.
400gig hard drive. I have just had a look at the box it came in and it came
with a onecare trial which I deleted, using my Norton instead. Unbelievably
it also has a sticker on it that says it also has an office professional 60
day trial!!! I have looked and looked in the control panel under programmes
and there is no sign of it. The only thing I could do is to restore the
computer to the original factory settings but then I think it would delete
everything else.

I have bluetooth and I read somewhere that it could cause conflict so
disabled it without any success.

Where would the trial be hiding, it must be that which is causing my problems.

I have sucessfully installed Open office and it seems to be working ok but I
really would like to have the m'soft office.

By the way thanks for all the help.

 

[LVTravel]

My computer is a Toshiba A350 Intel Core 2 duo. Processor 2.4ghz. 4 gigs
ram.
400gig hard drive. I have just had a look at the box it came in and it
came
with a onecare trial which I deleted, using my Norton instead.
Unbelievably
it also has a sticker on it that says it also has an office professional
60
day trial!!! I have looked and looked in the control panel under
programmes
and there is no sign of it. The only thing I could do is to restore the
computer to the original factory settings but then I think it would delete
everything else.

I have bluetooth and I read somewhere that it could cause conflict so
disabled it without any success.

Where would the trial be hiding, it must be that which is causing my
problems.

I have sucessfully installed Open office and it seems to be working ok but
I
really would like to have the m'soft office.

By the way thanks for all the help.

Had an idea that Office trial was preinstalled. Thanks for the information
on the laptop. The issue may also be related to Norton software as it has
known conflicts with Office products. Unfortunately I can't remember all of
them but I do believe installation of Office issues were some of them. I
recommend disabling Norton until you get the Office issue fixed (use Vista's
firewall in place of Norton's.)

Ok, if you can not find any reference to Office in the Programs and features
in the Control Panel you will need to use the procedure in the link I gave
to ensure that all parts of the Office Pro trial is uninstalled prior to
installing any of the downloaded trials that I posted in a previous
response. They are repeated here:

"Go to http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;290301 and
try the installation cleanup shown on this page. Then try to install
whatever trial pack you will eventually want to pay for and run on the new
computer.
Once you find that you can run the software I recommend that you go to
Amazon.com (they normally have the best rates for software I have found) and
find the exact same version of the trial software that you downloaded and
installed and purchase a retail version from them. Then when it arrives,
uninstall the trial version from the Control Panel, Programs and Features
(along with any activation assistant) and reboot the computer. Then install
the paid for version from the disk. The good thing about the retail
version, it can be transferred to another computer in the future where OEM
versions can't."

This web page indicates a link to a Microsoft Knowledge base article
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928218/ which gives step by step
instructions to ensure removal of all of Office.