Office XP Pro Product Key and Dell Computer

[MrB]

I have a customer who just bought 2 brand new Dell's with Office XP Pro
pre-installed. The first time he tried to use Word, a dialogue box opened
asking for the product key. Of course, he didn't have it. He called me to
work miracles which I couldn't. I called Dell tech support. They said they
didn't keep product keys on file. I looked through the software that came
with the computers and there is nothing that says Office XP, nor anything
with a product key on the back. TS said I would have to call MS to get a
code. What are chances they are going to give me a key under these
circumstances? Anyone familiar with Dell who has experienced this?

 

[Paul Ballou]

Call Dell Tech support back they will need to help since the software is an
OEM version

--
Paul Ballou
MVP Office
http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/default.aspx
http://office.microsoft.com/templates
http://office.microsoft.com/home

Control the things you can and Don't Worry about the things you can't
control.

 

[garfield-n-odie]

Chances are none that you'll get a product key from Microsoft for
preinstalled software. Keep calling Dell until you find someone who
knows what they're talking about, or maybe try asking to speak with a
supervisor/manager.

 

[Chris Schatte]

MrB,
This may help,
On the system go to Help and Support/Computer Information/Tools/My computer information/View general information about this computer. From here you can get the pid # for the OS and Office. When you contact Dell you will need the service tag number. Having the pid will help the (technician?) track the system software that was installed.
We have had good luck doing this thru opening a support issue via our account on dell.com. Takes a little longer but much better results. Any warrantied parts/software were shipped within 3-5 business days. Last time it was 2 days for oem software.

Chris Schatte

 

[MrB]

Thank you. I will try.

MrB,
This may help,
On the system go to Help and Support/Computer Information/Tools/My
computer information/View general information about this computer. From
here you can get the pid # for the OS and Office. When you contact Dell
you will need the service tag number. Having the pid will help the
(technician?) track the system software that was installed.
We have had good luck doing this thru opening a support issue via our
account on dell.com. Takes a little longer but much better results. Any
warrantied parts/software were shipped within 3-5 business days. Last time
it was 2 days for oem software.

Chris Schatte
--
use the Office Online web based newsreader here:
http://www.microsoft.com/office/community/en-us/default.mspx
In Office System 2003 applications:
Help/Assistance Pane/open Communities

 

[MrB]

I really thought that my chances are none.

Chances are none that you'll get a product key from Microsoft for
preinstalled software. Keep calling Dell until you find someone who knows
what they're talking about, or maybe try asking to speak with a
supervisor/manager.

 

[Miss Perspicacia Tick]

I really thought that my chances are none.

Sorry, mate, but it's Dell's responsibility. From the OEM EULA: -

" PRODUCT SUPPORT. SOFTWARE support for the SOFTWARE is not provided by MS,
Microsoft Corporation, or their affiliates or subsidiaries. For product
support, please refer to Manufacturer's support number provided in the
documentation for the HARDWARE. Should you have anyquestions concerning
this EULA, or if you desire to contact Manufacturer for any other reason,
please refer to the address provided in the documentation for the HARDWARE."