I never use our home pc but mrs & youngest do (latter for homework etc). A while back windows 10 'appeared' on it after no problems with windows 7, I guess from one of them clicking to put it on. They moan they don't like it but seem stuck with it. A couple of days ago it did an update and all of Microsoft office functions like word, excel, powerpoint, outlook (plus a few other programs) have now vanished. Can't find them anywhere from searching. Looks like we need to get another version of office now since I can't find original key code to re-install.
Looking about home/student version seems to cost £112 from Microsoft but I spotted people selling access keys to get it on ebay for £5-20. Say they are legit but are they and how do they work? I don't really understand if this is just key code or everyrhing we need to get it back, just wary when something so cheap. e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ms-Microsoft-Office-Professional-Plus-2016-Digital-Key-and-Download-Link-1PC-/272528945523?hash=item3f73fdb173:g:CXwAAOSwUKxYghnZ
Any tips/advice appreciated.
I doubt they'll be legit for that price.
I'd guess it'll work but at that price it's not legit. It'll probably be a bulk key intended for Enterprise, OEM, recovery or system builder use and using it on an existing PC won't meet the licence conditions. Up to you whether you're OK with that, but have you explored educational discounts or Home Use Program possibilities?
I suppose the worst that can happen (assuming the installation link points at a genuine MS distributor and you don't get a package riddled with malware) is that MS will notice the abuse of the key and the installation will stop receiving updates.
OP try and call Microsoft, you should not have to repurchase.
What version of office have you lost. Older versions of office may not work with windows 10.
I can't remember what version as now gone, but I think it was from about 2013 when we got the dell pc. Might try calling microsoft uk support thanks, worth a try
Mines done something similar after an update, in the end I downloaded a ligitamit copy from Microsoft for free and reinstalled it, after that it was working fine. I'm guessing that my original key was stored in the computer and the new copy detected it.
Have you tried rolling back to an earlier restore point? If Office was working before the update, you should be able to get it back by restoring the system to the pre-update state.
Yes tried looking for an earlier restore point, but after update none showing up grrr, just the date of the update
This lot always seem to be cheapest.
[url= https://softwaregeeks.co.uk/ ]https://softwaregeeks.co.uk/[/url]
The keys work, they give you access to their ISO's or you can download from Microsoft.
After an hour on the phone to microsoft support and them remotely doing weird things, have finally got office back, and a newer version apparently which they tell me will last a year (no charge) but will have to update/resubscribe next year so a result of sorts. Still annoying it went in the first place, the cynic in me thinks it's done on purpose to try and get people like me who have lost their original keys to buy new products, or weed out dodgy ones which I guess is fair enough. Thanks for your help.
If you child is school age and has a school email address, then you should be able to get MS office for free
[url= https://products.office.com/en-gb/student/office-in-education ]https://products.office.com/en-gb/student/office-in-education[/url]
alternatively you can buy a home and student edition for a one time cost (not annual subscription) e.g.
[url= http://www.argos.co.uk/product/4552822 ]http://www.argos.co.uk/product/4552822[/url]
or you can get a subscription that covers software installed on upto 5 devices. this is a good deal if you have a couple of PC/s/Macs and also want to use office on your phone /tablet
[url= https://products.office.com/en-gb/office-365-home ]https://products.office.com/en-gb/office-365-home[/url]
redstripe - MemberI can't remember what version as now gone, but I think it was from about 2013 when we got the dell pc. Might try calling microsoft uk support thanks, worth a try
Office 2013 (and 16) is tied to a user account, they do come with keys, but they're single use, once installed the key is useless.
If you're at least fairly confident it could be a 2013 Office license you could try logging into www.office.com with any e-mail addresses you were using back then, most people have a core one and seeing if you own any licenses - unlike 2010 and previous versions it's not tied to hardware - you can install it on any new machine you own.
Although if MS support has been poking around for you, it’s unlikely they would have missed that.
Sounds an odd thing to happen if it was a legit copy of Office in the first place.
Worth checking if your employer is enrolled in the MS Home Use Program as it lets you buy Office dirt cheap through that (although technically it's only licensed whilst you're still employed with that employer).
You can get the key off your system, but I got a feeling you were using the trial version. http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html