bought computer secondhand, programs will not work

[lcfairley]

I bought a dell desktop computer from someone, but not any software. I was
told that the microsoft office program came with the computer but I can not
get it to work. I am being asked for a product key which I do not have. Do
I have to buy the whole program over or can I buy an upgrade?

 

[macropod]

Hi lcfairley,

If you didn't buy any software with the computer (including bundled OEM software), then at best you bought a trial version (for
which the use-by date might already have passed), at worst a pirated copy of any installed software - and this could even include
the operating system. Your's seems to fall somewhere in between.

If the PC was supposed to have a working copy of Windows and Office installed, then ask the vendor for the product keys. If, on
trying to activate the software, you find it's already been activated, take the PC back to the vendor and ask for your money back.

 

[lcfairley]

I brought it from a friend of a friend who has since moved out of state. Do
I need to buy the complete package or will an upgrade work?

Hi lcfairley,

If you didn't buy any software with the computer (including bundled OEM software), then at best you bought a trial version (for
which the use-by date might already have passed), at worst a pirated copy of any installed software - and this could even include
the operating system. Your's seems to fall somewhere in between.

If the PC was supposed to have a working copy of Windows and Office installed, then ask the vendor for the product keys. If, on
trying to activate the software, you find it's already been activated, take the PC back to the vendor and ask for your money back.

--
Cheers
macropod
[MVP - Microsoft Word]

I bought a dell desktop computer from someone, but not any software. I was
told that the microsoft office program came with the computer but I can not
get it to work. I am being asked for a product key which I do not have. Do
I have to buy the whole program over or can I buy an upgrade?

 

[macropod]

Hi lcfairley,

Since it seems you don't have a valid installation to upgrade from, you'll need to buy a 'new instal' package. Of course, if your
friend's no longer using his/her copy, you could try asking him/her for the product code (and disc).

--
Cheers
macropod
[MVP - Microsoft Word]

I brought it from a friend of a friend who has since moved out of state. Do
I need to buy the complete package or will an upgrade work?

Hi lcfairley,

If you didn't buy any software with the computer (including bundled OEM software), then at best you bought a trial version (for
which the use-by date might already have passed), at worst a pirated copy of any installed software - and this could even include
the operating system. Your's seems to fall somewhere in between.

If the PC was supposed to have a working copy of Windows and Office installed, then ask the vendor for the product keys. If, on
trying to activate the software, you find it's already been activated, take the PC back to the vendor and ask for your money
back.

--
Cheers
macropod
[MVP - Microsoft Word]

I bought a dell desktop computer from someone, but not any software. I was
told that the microsoft office program came with the computer but I can not
get it to work. I am being asked for a product key which I do not have. Do
I have to buy the whole program over or can I buy an upgrade?