Microsoft Office 2010

[Ian Blundell]

I just got a new Win7 computer from Dell with Office 2010 and it didn't come with an installation disk.  It just came with the key card.
This isn't a problem with the initial install since the installation files appeared to be preloaded. Although it took so long to install that I left it last night after a couple of hours and went home thinking that it was locked but was not keen to break out.  This morning when I came in it had finished installing so I have no idea how long it actually took to install.

My question is, what happens if I have to do a wipe and reinstall?  Can I download the files from Microsoft and use the activation key when prompted or do I need to order a copy of the disk from Dell or M$?  This version of Office is the Professional version (it's my machine and I need Access) while almost all of future versions will be Basic so will I need disks for each version.

[Gene Foraker]

Great question, but it also sounds like a great time to do an Acronis image.

[mblack]

I can't answer either although I know that's how our Exchange 2010 came!  MS doesn't seem to like to ship anything anymore.

[Charlie Charbonneau]

Laptop I worked on recently had a utility to create 1 set of restore disks from HD in case of total HD loss.  drive was partitioned with restores pre-loaded to the secondary partition in order to reinstall to factory default without use of CD's.  Maybe similar?

[Ian Blundell]

Thanks Charlie - I'll check it out.  I have the instructions for creating a system restore disk which I will also do once I have finished setting it up.

[Nick Oliver]

Thanks Charlie - I'll check it out.  I have the instructions for creating a system restore disk which I will also do once I have finished setting it up.

I'd give the manufacturer of the pc (Dell?) a call and see about getting media.  Typically they still ship media with OEM purchases.  If it's open license, then just log into your VLS (https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/servicecenter/) and download the media.

[Jeff Golas]

You can prob get media somehow through the laptop (burned to your own cds/DVDs), but you can also download the "trial" office 2010 and use your key to activate it. Same thing.

[Ian Blundell]

Thanks - I downloaded the trial version,  you get a trial actibvation key as well, burnt the file to disk and noted the live activation key with it.  Made the system repair disk as well.