How to Activate My MS Office 2010

Microsoft Office 2010 is an edition of Microsoft's Office software suite. It includes popular applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access. When you first install Microsoft Office 2010, it stays fully functional for a period of 30 days. You must activate the software within this time to keep it functional past that period. Activation is a process that verifies the authenticity of the product key and establishes your right to use the software.

Instructions

1. Open a Microsoft Office application from your computer's Start menu.

2. Enter your product key when prompted to launch the activation wizard. This key is located opposite of the installation disc in the shrink-wrapped case of your Office box or on the left side of your key card's packaging if you've purchased a key card. Downloaded copies of Office 2010 contain the product key on the purchase confirmation page. If you have already entered your product key, the activation wizard starts automatically when the program loads.

3. Click "Activate by using the Internet" and then click "Next." Microsoft Office communicates securely with Microsoft's servers to verify your product key's validity. Once complete, the software becomes activated. If you do not have Internet access or this process fails, proceed to the next step.

4. Click "Activate using the telephone." Select your country from the list that appears and select whether you plan to use the product primarily at home or at work.

5. Call the regional number the software displays for you. Provide the customer service representative with the installation ID number displayed on the screen. The customer service representative reads back a confirmation ID number to you.

6. Type your confirmation ID into the bottom of the screen, then press "Enter." Your Office products are now activated.

References

• Microsoft Office: Activate Office 2010 programs
• Microsoft Office: Find your Office 2010 product key