If your desktop has less than 1 GB (1024 MB) of memory I wouldn't recommend
trying to install or run Office 2007 on it. Each version of Microsoft
software is bigger and "better" than the previous one, you see. Also for
compatibility issues Office 2003 is going to be ideal for your situation,
and Office 2007 is going to be less than ideal.
Retrieve the Product ID for the copies of Windows and Office installed on
the Dell using Magic Jelly Bean KeyFinder or a similar program:
http://www.mvps.org/marksxp/WindowsXP/prodkey.php
Just follow the links to the download, reading the comments as you go. You
need the Product ID to reinstall the software, assuming you find a suitable
CD. Write down all the Product IDs that are found by KeyFinder and keep
them in a safe place.
Microsoft has a media replacement program for people who lose a CD, have one
go bad, etc.:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246
Some caveats apply. Office 2003 is no longer sold in the retail market.
For obsolescent product media may no longer be available. They state that
you must be "in possession of the product" to qualify for replacement. I
don't know if having the computer and Product ID qualifies as being "in
possession of the product". You can call one of the numbers in the KB
article and ask.
Also if the software on your desktop has been activated, and Windows Updates
download normally, well then you can assume it is a legal copy. You should
be within your rights making a CD copy from whatever source you can find,
perhaps another school employee. "Fair Use Doctrine" of US court system
should apply. If the worst happens and you have to replace the hard disk in
the Dell, a school copy of the software could be used to reinstall it, using
your Product ID. Talk to the school's IT manager or whoever maintains their
computers.
You can find out if you have a "genuine" copy of the software at the
Microsoft Office download/update site.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/maincatalog.aspx
Click the Continue button. If you are told, "You are running genuine
Microsoft Office" you can assume that you have a legal copy. This is a good
time to install any updates that you may be missing too.
Cheap hard disks are readily available in last year's model at OverStock.com
and other outlets. You may wish to purchase one and clone your hard disk.
Then keep the cloned hard disk in a safe place. Technical ability required
for this is moderate. You have to open the case and install another hard
disk, then run a disk cloning utility.
Earle
bassfisher6522 said:
So what do you recommend that I do. I just bought office 2007 for my HP
computer, do I have to got buy another copy for the dell computer. I don't
mind buying another copy but the wife is a Teacher's Assistant and the
School
user's office 2003 and I worried about compatibility issues.
JoAnn Paules said:
That version has been upgraded. You may still be able to find an old copy
on
Amazon.com or maybe eBay (even tho I don't recommend going that route).
--
JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]
Tech Editor for "Microsoft Publisher 2007 For Dummies"
message
I was given this dell desktop that has office 2003 on it. If the
computer
crashes and has to be formated, I dont have the disk to reinstall it.
Where
can I get a copy of it.
