What Is a Product Key for Microsoft Word 2003?

The product key verifies an official user license for Microsoft Word 2003.

Microsoft manages licenses for its software using a uniquely assigned product key as proof of purchase and to grant full access to the program. Licensed users receive product keys specific to the program and to the computer on which it is installed. Microsoft product keys manage the number of computers and users according to the accepted terms of agreement for the type of license (i.e., individuals or multiple users). Support issues for Microsoft Word 2003 through Customer Service require this product key. Microsoft can also provide replacement product keys for software using other unique identifiers associated with the purchased program.

Significance

Microsoft provides free trials of the latest versions of software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the Office suite. The trial periods average 60 days and are designed to allow consumers to use the applications and create documents. After this evaluation period, users can purchase the product or entire Office package for continued use. Computers with Windows operating systems installed also include trial versions of Microsoft programs. Microsoft Word 2003 was installed on computers before the launch of the 2007 versions.

Function

After the free trial or evaluation period, users can purchase the program or Office package. After purchase, Microsoft sends a confirmation e-mail containing a product key so that users can enter this unique code as a full user license for the product. Retail packages of the software also include a product key for activation during installation.

Identification

According to the Microsoft Office Online help website, the product key can be found on the confirmation e-mail received (for online downloads and purchases) or renewal notice. Other locations include the icon on the desktop when it was pre-installed as a trial with a new computer or on the sticker affixed to the installation disk. Retail packages include a Microsoft Product Identifier Card that lists the product key for the software.

Misconceptions

The product key differs from the registry keys installed with the program. The registry keys consist of unique identifiers in the Microsoft registration folder (on Windows computers). The registry keys provide information to Microsoft to allow users access to the program during the trial period; however the registry keys contain expiration information. My Digital Life provides an educational article to revise (or hack into) the registry key to continue using the program on a trial basis. This process goes against the end user agreement for the trial. Hacks altering the evaluation period must be repeated every two months or until a product key is purchased granting full, legal access. The product key serves as proof of purchase and registration, assigned to individuals for their specific computers.

Replace Product Key

Microsoft identifies user licenses through product keys. The product keys should be kept in a safe place for future reference, for support issues, troubleshooting or for deactivation and installation on an upgraded computer. Microsoft can issue a replacement product key through telephone support: Users in the U.S. can call 800-936-5700 and provide identification information to Customer Service such as information on the software installation disk, computer specifications, readable portions of the original product key (if available) or product ID information in the registry folder.

New Product Key

Since newer versions of Microsoft Office programs were launched after the 2003 version, users can purchase Microsoft Word 2003 at discounted costs from on-line retailers that include a new product key. Consumers should make sure that the software license is valid, and avoid purchasing used software because the product license (and product key) may already be associated to another person, rendering it useless.

References

• Microsoft Office: Enter the Product Key for Your 2007 Office System Program
• Microsoft Office: Replace Lost Office Product Keys
• My Digital Life: Hack to Activate Microsoft Office 2007 Evaluation Trial Version