Microsoft Office 2010

Ian Blundell · July 21, 2010, 02:13:53 PM

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 · July 21, 2010, 02:21:06 PM

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

mblack · July 21, 2010, 03:24:53 PM

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 · July 21, 2010, 03:26:39 PM

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 · July 21, 2010, 04:27:06 PM

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 · July 21, 2010, 04:43:55 PM

Quote from: Ian Blundell on July 21, 2010, 04:27:06 PM
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 · July 21, 2010, 05:09:45 PM

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 · July 22, 2010, 02:48:09 PM

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.