Paul wrote:
Robert Baer wrote:
SC Tom wrote:


"J. P. Gilliver (John)" wrote in message
...
In message , Robert Baer
writes:
MikeS wrote:
On 13/04/2018 03:30, Robert Baer wrote:
Please let me know how in the heck to install Excel 2003, as
all M$
programs go thru the "activation" junk, and i need to re-install my
Excel 2003 and (somehow) "activate" it
Any suggestions extremely welcome.
Thanks.
Office 2003 predates online activation.
* NOT TRUE; see below.

You need the original installation software (CDROM or ISO) and the
multi
digit key code which came with it. When you start the installation it
will ask you to enter the code - doesn't even need an Internet
connection.

* Yes; BUT...it bitches and eXplicitly gives X number of uses if you
do not activate it.

I never activated my Office 2003 (installed from CD), and was never
prompted to do so - over some years of use. [XP machine.] I _was_
prompted for the key during installation, which I entered. I recently
installed 2003 on this [7-32] machine (using a different key: I have
two), and again was prompted for the key during installation, but saw
(and have seen) no mention of activation, or a limited number of uses.

Maybe there are different versions of Office 2003, some of which _do_
require activation?

I agree with J.P. I use Word, Excel, and Outlook 2003, installed from
the Office Pro disc I bought way back when. I've had to re-install it
over the years/OS's without any activation requests, or any other
problem (as long as I enter the number correctly, LOL!). Even works fine
on my Win10 machines.
Were those installs before the drop-dead date?
Betcha you will see the activation complaint if you install now and
try to run it.


Does any Microsoft software have a drop-dead date, with
respect to activation issues ? Apparently people can re-install
WinXP today, and the activation server is still present and
still works for people.

When they stop doing that (when they actually kill an activation server),
it will be big news... and lawsuit time.

Paul
I agree WRT WinXP, but at some time from about 5 years ago to maybe 1
year ago they somehow forced activation for Excel 2003 and later dropped
activation support.