Multiple product keys on the Home and Student edition

[Diane Ross]

I also have a problem thats been brought up before on this site, but not
resolved. Just got a new Macbook. Recieved Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac (home
and student edition) from my stepmom, but when installing the product key that
I used on mine I guess she already used. Is there any way to change the
product key number for the 2008 version?

It's not clear what and how you installed and what problems you are getting.
Did she send you a new key for Office 2008? Did you get the installer DVD
from her also?

There is no way in different locations that using the same key would result
in the problems you are having.

"Registration" has nothing to do with the operation of the software - unlike
the Activation required for MS Windows software.

I've tried uninstalling it (and its library) twice, but when I go to
re-install it, I'm not asked to insert a new product key. Someone please help!
I really need these programs for school. Thank you.

You need to use "Remove Office" and re-install using one of the three keys
received with Home & Student version for Office 2008.

 

[liz K.T.]

It's not clear what and how you installed and what problems you are getting.

Did she send you a new key for Office 2008? Did you get the installer DVD
from her also?

There is no way in different locations that using the same key would result
in the problems you are having.

"Registration" has nothing to do with the operation of the software - unlike
the Activation required for MS Windows software.

You need to use "Remove Office" and re-install using one of the three keys
received with Home & Student version for Office 2008.

Thank you for your help Diane, however I still have the problem.
To clear up: She sent me the Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac & three product keys. I inserted the Office disk and installed it via the instructions it provided me on the screen. When asked for the product key, I typed the first one (which apparently my stepmom already used) and now when I goto use the software, I get the error message that I can't use it because it's registered to her.
I've uninstalled this program (using the remover tool in Microsoft Office), and taken it to a computer store where they have also uninstalled the program, and its library, and then re-installed it.
The problem is that when we re-install it, we're never asked to insert a new product key, of which I have two more that I could use.
So my question; is there a way for me to edit/insert a new product key? and if so, how would I do that?

 

[Diane Ross]

To clear up: She sent me the Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac & three product
keys. I inserted the Office disk and installed it via the instructions it
provided me on the screen. When asked for the product key, I typed the first
one (which apparently my stepmom already used) and now when I goto use the
software, I get the error message that I can't use it because it's registered
to her.

I think you might be confusing the Setup Assistant default info with
registration. During the setup process, it takes default info from the
computer. Did your mom ever use this computer? What exactly and where are
you seeing it's registered to her?

There is no way for the installer to know what key your mom used if the
computers are not connected.

Again, Mac Office is not activated. No need to register at all. All it does
is put you on a mailing list.

I've uninstalled this program (using the remover tool in Microsoft Office),
and taken it to a computer store where they have also uninstalled the program,
and its library, and then re-installed it.
The problem is that when we re-install it, we're never asked to insert a new
product key, of which I have two more that I could use.

For 2008 only:

Delete these two files on one of the machines:

~:Libraryreferences:Microsoft:Office 2008:Microsoft Office 2008
Settings.plist

where ~ is your home folder, and

HD:Applications:Microsoft Office 2008:Office:OfficePID.plist

When you start an Office app, you'll be asked for a CD Key.

"Remove Office" is used to remove the PID for older versions.

 

[Liz K.T.]

For 2008 only:

Delete these two files on one of the machines:

~:Libraryreferences:Microsoft:Office 2008:Microsoft Office 2008
Settings.plist

where ~ is your home folder, and

HD:Applications:Microsoft Office 2008:Office:OfficePID.plist

When you start an Office app, you'll be asked for a CD Key.

"Remove Office" is used to remove the PID for older versions.

-Yes, that worked. Thank you very very much!!!

 

[glenn johlman]

Our box has 3 licenses: 1 installed on son's macbook, 1 on my iMac, and now, 12 months later, the last 1 on daughter's macbook. But we reentered the first key by accident. I can't see how to edit/change/fix the key. We tried installing again, but never were prompted to enter the key.

 

[Diane Ross]

You've hijacked a thread. You have given us no info on what version of
Entourage you are using and you could have tried the other methods outlined
in this thread since you obviously are reading it.

 

[Matthew Gardiner]

Hi,

You need to delete the preference files which retain the serial
number/product code. Once done, it'll ask you for the serial number again
next time you run the installer.

Btw, stop hijacking threads, if you want help, create a new thread.

Matthew

 

[SusanK]

In article ,

 

[Diane Ross]

What if you use the wrong code when you install MacOffice on a new computer?
Can you delete it and start again?

Susan, please start a new thread when you ask a question. Depending on the
version of Office you are using, the answer is different.

Previously in Entourage 2004 and X you could use "Remove Office" to reset
your CD Key. In Office 2008 this will not work to remove the license
information. Use the solution provided here.

Info at bottom of this page for 2008:

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/version/license_version.html>

Older versions:

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/install/index.html#resetkey>

 

[Ian_Wells]

I have a similar issue

I have office:mac student and teacher edition.
I installed it legally on my iMac and Macbook using up the first 2 product keys. But my Macbook disk crashed and was replaced and the OS rebuilt. When I reinstalled Office on the macbook, I used the 3rd product key. But now I have a 2nd Macbook. Do I reuse the 2nd product key on my 2nd Macbook without problem?

Ian

 

[JE McGimpsey]

I have office:mac student and teacher edition.
I installed it legally on my iMac and Macbook using up the first 2 product
keys. But my Macbook disk crashed and was replaced and the OS rebuilt. When I
reinstalled Office on the macbook, I used the 3rd product key. But now I have
a 2nd Macbook. Do I reuse the 2nd product key on my 2nd Macbook without
problem?

Yes.

 

[CyberTaz]

Hi Ian -

The way it's "intended" to work is that any one key should be used for a
single user's portable & fixed system. Keep in mind that "user" means
"holder of the key", not necessarily a different *person*, so if you have an
additional desktop & laptop system you'd use a second key to install on
those. The systems that share the same key can't legitimately run the
software simultaneously & will be blocked from doing so if connected to the
same network.

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

 

[EricK]

Can I use one of the multiple keys on the Mac OS X Home and Student edition for a Windows Home and Student edition?

The reason why I ask is that I am installing Windows Vista on my MacBook to use via BootCamp. I already own Office Home and Student Edition for Mac OS X. I am wondering if I can purchase a key-less version of Office for Windows and use one of the keys I received with the Mac OS X version. Both versions of Office will reside on the same computer.

I have tried to access the Office Home and Student for Mac License Terms on Microsoft's website, but I keep getting an error. Thanks!

 

[CyberTaz]

No - they are separately licensed products and the keys are *not*
interchangeable.

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

 

[Francesco]

I've installed successfully Office 2008 on my old powerbook G4 Aluminum.
It is one of the multiple-key home editions.
All the programs behave more or less correctly...

Now I'm trying to install the update with no success.
The program checks the volumes for existing installation and then
simply stops saying that he can't find any Office 2008 installed.
Thanks!

 

[Diane Ross]

Now I'm trying to install the update with no success.
The program checks the volumes for existing installation and then
simply stops saying that he can't find any Office 2008 installed.
Thanks!

Was this the 12.0.1 updater or the new SP1 12.1.0?

See this page for help updating:

<http://www.entourage.mvps.org/install/update.html#update_fails>

Some users with 12.0.1 installed downloaded the same updater again thinking
it was the SP1 and received the error message. With the numbers so similar
it's an easy thing to do.

 

[mrsface]

I'm absolutely sick fed up with this. I have Office 2004 home and student edition. fed up uninstalling and reinstalling and being told I can't use Office as its already in use and we have exceeded the number of installations. We have three serial keys and two computers. Different serials are used on both computers yet we still can't use Office on both at the same time.

It's absolutely maddening. Can someone please get this sorted out

 

[JE McGimpsey]

I'm absolutely sick fed up with this. I have Office 2004 home and student
edition. fed up uninstalling and reinstalling and being told I can't use
Office as its already in use and we have exceeded the number of
installations. We have three serial keys and two computers. Different serials
are used on both computers yet we still can't use Office on both at the same
time.

It's absolutely maddening. Can someone please get this sorted out

This should help you sort it.

First, you should NEVER have to uninstall and reinstall Office. It's not
a problem with the apps, and just wastes your time.

Make sure that you've applied the latest updates.

With the technique for using Remove Office found here:

http://www.mcgimpsey.com/macoffice/office/pid.html

remove the licensing information for BOTH computers. Start up an Office
app on the first computer, entering the first CD Key, then start up an
Office app on the second computer using the second CD Key.

 

[murfy]

Mine is a real simple question. Our new iMac will be shared by three User
Accounts. Do I have to install Office08 three times? It does come with 3 Keys
so I'm thinking yes - but that seems like an awful waste of disk space. A
simple yes or no answer is fine. Cheers.

One Mac and 3 separate User account = one install of Office in the root
Application folder.

Even the fonts for Office 2008 are now all installed in the root folder.

Enjoy![/QUOTE]
I installed Office 2008 on my macbook. later I added a new user account but I don't see office 2008 in the new users account. how would i fix this?

 

[Janice Morton]

I have 2008 Office Mac Home & Student Edition installed to three different PCs using three different product codes but am constantly being told can't use Office at the same time as someone else. This is infuriating.

Please help with simple instructions and an explanation of why this happens would be good also.