Recent patch froze Word, Excel Programs

[ferrets bueller]

I cannot download Office XP{ Service Pack 3. The down load asks me to insert
Microsoft XP Small Business CD, which I do not have. The Wall Street
Journal says this problem occurs with users who have certain HP printers
attached. The on-line instructions say I have to go back to the
manufacturer, which is ridiculous. I simply want Microsoft to reverse the
damage.

 

[garfield-n-odie [MVP]]

See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/828451 "Service packs,
updates, and security patches may require the Office XP CD-ROM".
Your copy of Office XP SBE probably came preinstalled on your
computer by the computer manufacturer, and the computer
manufacturer should have provided you with an Office CD or
instructions for creating an Office CD from an image on your hard
drive. You paid less for your OEM software than you would have
for retail software, but the penny you saved a few years ago
means you must go to your computer manufacturer (not Microsoft)
for software support.

You might be able to get around the error message by installing
the full-file version Service Pack 3, but no guarantees. If you
are prompted for the Office CD and cannot provide it when
requested, then the service pack installation will fail and some
of your Office applications could be left in a non-functional
state. If this happens, then you will need the Office CD to
repair your Office installation.