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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Nickbat on 06 March 2010, 22:33:13

Title: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 06 March 2010, 22:33:13
I've been getting a message, repeated every day I first start up Word, Excel, etc., saying that my copy of MS Office is not genuine and will be marked as such in x days (now down to 4!). This really gets my goat as my Office 2003 IS genuine, so there must be a bug in the validation process. It seems, from looking round the web, that I am not alone in this.

It started happening out of the blue, so I can't figure out what's causing it, other than a software update of some kind. I have tried Microsoft's "fix it" utility, but no joy. Guess I'll just have to get marked as a "pirate".

Really annoys me. >:( :(

Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Chris_H on 06 March 2010, 22:34:35
Fortunately OpenOffice IS genuine?
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 06 March 2010, 22:55:37
OK, I went to the MS site and tried again. It passed all the tests except the last one:

FAIL: Microsoft Genuine Advantage plug-ins connect with Microsoft validation servers

It then says it will guide me through the steps correct the problem:


Allow Connectivity to our server
Check network connectivity

Security software such as firewalls or proxy servers can affect network connectivity. If your computer is part of a corporate network, you should contact your network administrator to help resolve this issue. Refer to your documentation or contact the vendor for assistance configuring 3rd party software and hardware. Firewalls should be configured to allow the following HTTP Agents to connect to their servers through ports 80 and 443:

    * LegitCheck
    * MS Clearing House Default Agent

The urls these agents will be connecting to

    * mpa.one.microsoft.com
    * www.microsoft.com
    * genuine.microsoft.com
    * go.microsoft.com
    * catalog.microsoft.com

Adjust Internet Proxy Settings

If you are using a proxy server to connect to the internet, the Proxy must be configured in the Windows Control Panel for the Microsoft Genuine Advantage plug-in to work correctly. The plug-in may not work correctly if the proxy is configured through the FireFox settings. To configure the proxy setting through the Control Panel:

    * Click the Start button and select Control Panel.
    * Open Internet Options, and, on the Connections tab, click the LAN Settings button.
    * Select Use a proxy server for your LAN.
    * Configure the proxy server by entering the address and the port in the respective boxes.
    * Click OK to close the LAN settings dialog box.
    * Click OK to close the Internet Options dialog box and save the changes just made.

Sorry, but I'm lost. F*cking thing. Apparently, if I don't get it validated in the next four days, I'll lose my toolbars.

 >:( >:( >:( >:(
 
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 06 March 2010, 23:04:11
I get the same error but put it down to the fact I have not yet activated .


I used my original disks on my New PC but only intend to use for testing etc, will hopefully be going to windows 7
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 06 March 2010, 23:19:01
I used WGADiag.exe from Microsoft and it's showing that I have an invalid VLK. I have the disk here and it has a product key and I paid for it. What more do they want??

I've posted the WGADiag on the MS social forum (where others have) and hopefully I'll get a response.

 :( 
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Martin_1962 on 06 March 2010, 23:30:49
Phone up UK support and let rip
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 06 March 2010, 23:36:38
Quote
Phone up UK support and let rip

I'm beginning to think that's the only way forward.  :y
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Auto Addict on 07 March 2010, 07:27:45
I had this a few months ago, I think I had to do an unistall then a reinstall.

Pain, as I then had to reload all the updates.

But it cured the problem.
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 07 March 2010, 10:37:23
OK, this has been a common problem, and in every case I've had to look at, its been a case of somebody incorrectly using a VLK.

Microsoft have started to pull the plug on a few, fairly well known VLKs, due to a change in the way corporates can activate their licences inside their own firewalls.

If you have rights to use free licences via a company's HUP agreements, you must pay MS the token amount (£10 approx) for your own media, with your own unique key, and use that media/key to install, not you're company's Volume versions.


Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 07 March 2010, 10:48:53
Quote
OK, this has been a common problem, and in every case I've had to look at, its been a case of somebody incorrectly using a VLK.

Microsoft have started to pull the plug on a few, fairly well known VLKs, due to a change in the way corporates can activate their licences inside their own firewalls.

If you have rights to use free licences via a company's HUP agreements, you must pay MS the token amount (£10 approx) for your own media, with your own unique key, and use that media/key to install, not you're company's Volume versions.



So where does that leave me? I have the genuine disc here, with the VLK printed on the sleeve. I got it from a reputable supplier and I paid for it. And I only have one PC.  :(
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 07 March 2010, 10:58:52
Quote
Quote
OK, this has been a common problem, and in every case I've had to look at, its been a case of somebody incorrectly using a VLK.

Microsoft have started to pull the plug on a few, fairly well known VLKs, due to a change in the way corporates can activate their licences inside their own firewalls.

If you have rights to use free licences via a company's HUP agreements, you must pay MS the token amount (£10 approx) for your own media, with your own unique key, and use that media/key to install, not you're company's Volume versions.



So where does that leave me? I have the genuine disc here, with the VLK printed on the sleeve. I got it from a reputable supplier and I paid for it. And I only have one PC.  :(
If it has a VLK (and the media says Volume Licencing or Select Licencing or similar (ie, not Retail or OEM)), you need one of Microsoft's corporate licencing  agreements in place with them (Open Licencing etc), which is generally an annual fee.  Unsuitable for home use though.


Tescos had the Office 2007 Home on offer a couple of weeks back - £50, and this licences 3 PCs in the same home.



If yours is a retail version, and you are utterly sure you have not installed on other PCs, or given the key to anyone, call Microsoft, they will resolve it.  If its a volume copy, you will have to buy another.
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 07 March 2010, 11:04:10
Quote
If it has a VLK (and the media says Volume Licencing or Select Licencing or similar (ie, not Retail or OEM)), you need one of Microsoft's corporate licencing  agreements in place with them (Open Licencing etc), which is generally an annual fee.  Unsuitable for home use though.


Tescos had the Office 2007 Home on offer a couple of weeks back - £50, and this licences 3 PCs in the same home.



If yours is a retail version, and you are utterly sure you have not installed on other PCs, or given the key to anyone, call Microsoft, they will resolve it.  If its a volume copy, you will have to buy another.


It's an OEM disk which I bought along with a case, motherboard and HDD (IIRC), about five years ago.

Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 07 March 2010, 11:11:28
Tesco's price for Home & Student edition is around £97, reduced by £30 if you buy a PC from them.

I wouldn't mind upgrading to Office 2007. I came across this link and they have Office 2007 Pro for £89.95, on offer only until today. Does it look pukka to you guys and girls?

http://www.bigsoftsale.com/
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 07 March 2010, 15:16:58
Quote
Tesco's price for Home & Student edition is around £97, reduced by £30 if you buy a PC from them.

I wouldn't mind upgrading to Office 2007. I came across this link and they have Office 2007 Pro for £89.95, on offer only until today. Does it look pukka to you guys and girls?

http://www.bigsoftsale.com/

It's a dead link matey. :-/
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 07 March 2010, 15:24:11
Quote
Quote
Tesco's price for Home & Student edition is around £97, reduced by £30 if you buy a PC from them.

I wouldn't mind upgrading to Office 2007. I came across this link and they have Office 2007 Pro for £89.95, on offer only until today. Does it look pukka to you guys and girls?

http://www.bigsoftsale.com/

It's a dead link matey. :-/

Yes, it seems to have died since I originally posted it. In fact I went back there by double-clicking the link in my post juts an hour ago.

Actually, I've been thinking that the MS Office Pro is NOT the way to go as it comes only with a single licence. Home & student would be more appropriate, given that the kids will need to do homework on PCs and I aim to buy another machine quite soon.  :y

But, then, Open Office is getting some good reviews...and it's free.

Hmm. :-/
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 07 March 2010, 16:44:00
Quote
I had this a few months ago, I think I had to do an unistall then a reinstall.

Pain, as I then had to reload all the updates.

But it cured the problem.


Uninstalled...reinstalled with all updates...still getting the "not genuine" message. Grrrrrrrrr!!

 >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 07 March 2010, 17:37:35
I think I've got to the bottom of this. Basically, about five years ago I bought an OEM version of MS office 2003 along with some hardware, as I assembled the PC myself.

I bought the item from a "reputable" supplier (I won't name them here), and they sold me a Volume Licence Version, which was against MS rules.

The version I have is not "not genuine", in that it was manufactured by MS, but clearly MS think I paid too little for it, so now they know about it (through Genuine DisAdvantage), I am forced to purchase a new copy of Office in the next four days before it loses its functionality.

It's like unwittingly buying a single can of brink from a  multipack, then being told 5 years later that it's not the real McCoy and that you have to buy a new can that is not from a multipack.

Not too impressed by Microsoft's attitude, TBH.  >:( >:(
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Lazydocker on 07 March 2010, 18:02:48
Nick... Google is your friend ;) ;) ;)

PM Sent :y :y
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 07 March 2010, 18:54:06
Quote
I think I've got to the bottom of this. Basically, about five years ago I bought an OEM version of MS office 2003 along with some hardware, as I assembled the PC myself.

I bought the item from a "reputable" supplier (I won't name them here), and they sold me a Volume Licence Version, which was against MS rules.

The version I have is not "not genuine", in that it was manufactured by MS, but clearly MS think I paid too little for it, so now they know about it (through Genuine DisAdvantage), I am forced to purchase a new copy of Office in the next four days before it loses its functionality.

It's like unwittingly buying a single can of brink from a  multipack, then being told 5 years later that it's not the real McCoy and that you have to buy a new can that is not from a multipack.

Not too impressed by Microsoft's attitude, TBH.  >:( >:(
Unfortunately, the blame lies fair and square at your supplier.  Microsoft offer various different licencing to make it cheap (per copy) for larger companies.  You supplier should not have been selling VLK (be it Genuine Advantage, Open, Select, or any of the other volume programmes) to consumers.


Still slightly confused what you have, OEM or Volume?
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 07 March 2010, 19:41:16
Quote
Quote
I think I've got to the bottom of this. Basically, about five years ago I bought an OEM version of MS office 2003 along with some hardware, as I assembled the PC myself.

I bought the item from a "reputable" supplier (I won't name them here), and they sold me a Volume Licence Version, which was against MS rules.

The version I have is not "not genuine", in that it was manufactured by MS, but clearly MS think I paid too little for it, so now they know about it (through Genuine DisAdvantage), I am forced to purchase a new copy of Office in the next four days before it loses its functionality.

It's like unwittingly buying a single can of brink from a  multipack, then being told 5 years later that it's not the real McCoy and that you have to buy a new can that is not from a multipack.

Not too impressed by Microsoft's attitude, TBH.  >:( >:(
Unfortunately, the blame lies fair and square at your supplier.  Microsoft offer various different licencing to make it cheap (per copy) for larger companies.  You supplier should not have been selling VLK (be it Genuine Advantage, Open, Select, or any of the other volume programmes) to consumers.


Still slightly confused what you have, OEM or Volume?

OEM, definitely.  :y :y

It says so on the sleeve.
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 07 March 2010, 21:21:23
Quote
Quote
Quote
I think I've got to the bottom of this. Basically, about five years ago I bought an OEM version of MS office 2003 along with some hardware, as I assembled the PC myself.

I bought the item from a "reputable" supplier (I won't name them here), and they sold me a Volume Licence Version, which was against MS rules.

The version I have is not "not genuine", in that it was manufactured by MS, but clearly MS think I paid too little for it, so now they know about it (through Genuine DisAdvantage), I am forced to purchase a new copy of Office in the next four days before it loses its functionality.

It's like unwittingly buying a single can of brink from a  multipack, then being told 5 years later that it's not the real McCoy and that you have to buy a new can that is not from a multipack.

Not too impressed by Microsoft's attitude, TBH.  >:( >:(
Unfortunately, the blame lies fair and square at your supplier.  Microsoft offer various different licencing to make it cheap (per copy) for larger companies.  You supplier should not have been selling VLK (be it Genuine Advantage, Open, Select, or any of the other volume programmes) to consumers.


Still slightly confused what you have, OEM or Volume?

OEM, definitely.  :y :y

It says so on the sleeve.
Right, so not volume, and no vlk.

You haven't transferred it from another PC have you?
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 07 March 2010, 22:03:36
Quote
You haven't transferred it from another PC have you?

No, I haven't. I only have the one. The only thing I've done recently is to replace the DVDR which was fubared.
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 07 March 2010, 22:06:10
TB, here's the WINDiag output:

Diagnostic Report (1.9.0019.0):
-----------------------------------------
WGA Data-->
Validation Status: Genuine
Validation Code: 0

Cached Validation Code: N/A
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-B47Q8-36PHX-KT9FJ
Windows Product Key Hash: b6/dXBfQNH09DsFAr**********Zg=
Windows Product ID: 76487-OEM-*************
Windows Product ID Type: 3
Windows License Type: OEM System Builder
Windows OS version: 5.1.2600.2.00010100.3.0.pro
ID: {ACFAABAB-BBE0-4A20-BE7A-128F70AF6EC6}(3)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
WGA Version: Registered, 1.9.42.0
Signed By: Microsoft
Product Name: N/A
Architecture: N/A
Build lab: N/A
TTS Error: N/A
Validation Diagnostic: 025D1FF3-230-1
Resolution Status: N/A

WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A
Version: N/A

WGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: 0
File Exists: Yes
Version: 1.8.31.9
WgaTray.exe Signed By: Microsoft
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: Microsoft

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: 2.0.48.0
OGAExec.exe Signed By: Microsoft
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: Microsoft

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 108 Invalid VLK
Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2003 - 108 Invalid VLK
OGA Version: Registered, 2.0.48.0
Signed By: Microsoft
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-230-1

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{ACFAABAB-BBE0-4A20-BE7A-128F70AF6EC6}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0019.0</Version><OS>5.1.2600.2.00010100.3.0.pro</OS><Architecture>x32</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-KT9FJ</PKey><PID>76487-OEM-2227341-38215</PID><PIDType>3</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-1229272821-117609710-839522115</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>System manufacturer</Manufacturer><Model>System Product Name</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>American Megatrends Inc.</Manufacturer><Version>0201   </Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="4"/><Date>20070501000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>01A6327F01848A78</HWID><UserLCID>0809</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>GMT Standard Time(GMT+00:00)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM/><GANotification><File Name="WgaTray.exe" Version="1.8.31.9"/><File Name="WgaLogon.dll" Version="1.8.31.9"/><File Name="OGAAddin.dll" Version="2.0.48.0"/></GANotification></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>108</Result><Products><Product GUID="{90CA0409-6000-11D3-8CFE-0150048383C9}"><LegitResult>108</LegitResult><Name>Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2003</Name><Ver>11</Ver><Val>4065270E0E01D00</Val><Hash>X3XZqPuYIq8YHdF09D9eSZXleE0=</Hash><Pid>70160-640-6825824-57221</Pid><PidType>14</PidType></Product></Products><Applications><App Id="16" Version="11" Result="108"/><App Id="18" Version="11" Result="108"/><App Id="19" Version="11" Result="108"/><App Id="1A" Version="11" Result="108"/><App Id="1B" Version="11" Result="108"/></Applications></Office></Software></GenuineResults> 

Licensing Data-->
N/A

Windows Activation Technologies-->
N/A

HWID Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
BIOS string matches: yes
Marker string from BIOS: 15590:ASUSTeK Computer Inc|A4F7:HITACHI, Ltd|A4F7:HITACHI, Ltd|A4F7:HITACHI, Ltd
Marker string from OEMBIOS.DAT: N/A, hr = 0x80004005

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
N/A

Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 08 March 2010, 09:18:56
Added some extra *s in your key, as it is poss to work out the key otherwise ;)

So, that shows clearly that your Windows is OEM (all support from PC supplier, non transferrable licence), and the Office is a Volume copy.

Can you post up a pic of your office cd, as that should say the type on it (might have to photo at an angle due to hologram)
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 08 March 2010, 10:19:26
Quote
Added some extra *s in your key, as it is poss to work out the key otherwise ;)

So, that shows clearly that your Windows is OEM (all support from PC supplier, non transferrable licence), and the Office is a Volume copy.

Can you post up a pic of your office cd, as that should say the type on it (might have to photo at an angle due to hologram)


I've never studied the CD itself too closely until now and it does say "For distribution with a new PC only."

Why did they sell it to me? And why does MS make a song and dance about it five years later? It can't be good for customer relations. If they said, OK from Office 2010 (upcoming), the software will require regular online verification and if it doesn't pass, we'll stop it working. At least people would know the score.

At the end of the day, it IS genuine software that I bought and I think the onus should have been on the seller to comply with commercial practices...not me.  >:(   
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Kevin Wood on 08 March 2010, 10:41:01
Time to install OpenOffice. :y

Yes, it's not much less bloated, slow and overcomplex than MS Office but paying for software when there's a free alternative is bad enough without having to jump through hoops like this. ;D

OO has become a vital tool of mine since I upgraded to MS Office 2007 at work. It is now the only package that will open a lot of my older office files. M$ Orifice 2007 just crashes when presented with some of them.

There you have it. The "free" alternative has better backwards compatibility with Office files than MS Office itself. I don't know how MS do it. ;D

Kevin
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 08 March 2010, 10:43:09
Quote
Quote
Added some extra *s in your key, as it is poss to work out the key otherwise ;)

So, that shows clearly that your Windows is OEM (all support from PC supplier, non transferrable licence), and the Office is a Volume copy.

Can you post up a pic of your office cd, as that should say the type on it (might have to photo at an angle due to hologram)


I've never studied the CD itself too closely until now and it does say "For distribution with a new PC only."

Why did they sell it to me? And why does MS make a song and dance about it five years later? It can't be good for customer relations. If they said, OK from Office 2010 (upcoming), the software will require regular online verification and if it doesn't pass, we'll stop it working. At least people would know the score.

At the end of the day, it IS genuine software that I bought and I think the onus should have been on the seller to comply with commercial practices...not me.  >:(   
You obviously bought it from a component seller (or dodgy backstreet shop), rather than a large retail outlet.  Like components, it is up to YOU to decide if a piece of software is suitable to YOU, and you can abide by the rules of its licence.

Sounds like you have got away with using something you are not entitled to use for 5yrs, consider Microsoft's gesture of goodwill that they are not going to throw the book at you ;)

They have every right, imho, to prevent use of software you haven't (properly) paid for.


I'd still be interested in seeing the CD, as For Sale with New PC implies OEM, yet you appear to be using a VLK  :-?
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 08 March 2010, 11:56:26
Thanks TB. I've spent hundreds of pounds with MS over the years and I never use pirated software - I'm dead against it. But I was led to believe that it was OK to buy OEM software if you were building your own PC. No, I didn't read the small print, but MS got more more money out of me than the millions who just copy and share their discs. I'm not as naughty as you make out.  ;)

Here are the images you requested:


(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n270/v6nick/sleeve.gif)
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n270/v6nick/cd.gif)
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 08 March 2010, 12:14:13
Cheers for that Nickbat, that clouds it further. That is defo OEM, so if thats what you installed from, that should be OK.

OEM, for reference, is for system builders to cost effectively put on an OS and a Office suite cheaply on the condition that the OEM provides all support.  The licences are non transferrable between PCs (even if you are scrappying the old one).  There is a loophole in the licencing that it can be sold with certain hardware items, such as keyboards and mice.  That said, most component retailers ignore the rules and just sell it anyway.  OEM should not be available for consumers to just buy (hence why you won't see it in retail park electrical shops).


Where this is confusing is you have an OEM versin, but WGA saying its VLK  :-/

Can you run Belarc over it (takes about 20mins), and double check the key that Belarc comes back with for Office matches your key?
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 08 March 2010, 12:17:19
OK,so the CD says only for distribution with a new PC.

Some smart sod has obviously detatched the software from the intended PC to be supplied and used it to make more money, I would therefore supply a copy of the invoice to MS and let them have a field day with the supplier.

On the other hand,how do MS know you didnt buy it with anew PC.
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 08 March 2010, 12:38:49
Quote
OK,so the CD says only for distribution with a new PC.

Some smart sod has obviously detatched the software from the intended PC to be supplied and used it to make more money, I would therefore supply a copy of the invoice to MS and let them have a field day with the supplier.

On the other hand,how do MS know you didnt buy it with anew PC.
They don't. But they only allow you to install it one one PC. Ever. Many upgrades later, that may be deemed not to be the same PC ;)


The supplier, if a component supplier, may not have done anything wrong, it could be that the wrong item was purchased ;)



In this case, however, it has now been cleared up that it is an OEM copy (perfectly valid if bought at same time as certain bits of hardware, or a PC), so lets now try to ascertain why WGA is seeing it as VLK (which would not be valid for OPs case)
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 08 March 2010, 12:52:08
Quote
Cheers for that Nickbat, that clouds it further. That is defo OEM, so if thats what you installed from, that should be OK.

OEM, for reference, is for system builders to cost effectively put on an OS and a Office suite cheaply on the condition that the OEM provides all support.  The licences are non transferrable between PCs (even if you are scrappying the old one).  There is a loophole in the licencing that it can be sold with certain hardware items, such as keyboards and mice.  That said, most component retailers ignore the rules and just sell it anyway.  OEM should not be available for consumers to just buy (hence why you won't see it in retail park electrical shops).


Where this is confusing is you have an OEM versin, but WGA saying its VLK  :-/

Can you run Belarc over it (takes about 20mins), and double check the key that Belarc comes back with for Office matches your key?

No, it doesn't! PM sent with discrepancy.

Nick
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Jimbob on 08 March 2010, 12:54:41
very easy to delete the old key....then enter the one of your cd...

http://www.askvg.com/how-to-change-or-reset-product-key-of-microsoft-office-xp-2003-and-2007/
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 08 March 2010, 12:54:41
Quote
Quote
Cheers for that Nickbat, that clouds it further. That is defo OEM, so if thats what you installed from, that should be OK.

OEM, for reference, is for system builders to cost effectively put on an OS and a Office suite cheaply on the condition that the OEM provides all support.  The licences are non transferrable between PCs (even if you are scrappying the old one).  There is a loophole in the licencing that it can be sold with certain hardware items, such as keyboards and mice.  That said, most component retailers ignore the rules and just sell it anyway.  OEM should not be available for consumers to just buy (hence why you won't see it in retail park electrical shops).


Where this is confusing is you have an OEM versin, but WGA saying its VLK  :-/

Can you run Belarc over it (takes about 20mins), and double check the key that Belarc comes back with for Office matches your key?

No, it doesn't! PM sent with discrepancy.

Nick
Replied.


As said, I've yet to see a WGA false positive.  Easy fix, even if a pain to do :D
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 08 March 2010, 12:57:35
Actually, link PM'd may not work.


I'd uninstall Office completely, delete the registry keys suggested in that link, then reinstall Office
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 08 March 2010, 12:58:10
Quote
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Cheers for that Nickbat, that clouds it further. That is defo OEM, so if thats what you installed from, that should be OK.

OEM, for reference, is for system builders to cost effectively put on an OS and a Office suite cheaply on the condition that the OEM provides all support.  The licences are non transferrable between PCs (even if you are scrappying the old one).  There is a loophole in the licencing that it can be sold with certain hardware items, such as keyboards and mice.  That said, most component retailers ignore the rules and just sell it anyway.  OEM should not be available for consumers to just buy (hence why you won't see it in retail park electrical shops).


Where this is confusing is you have an OEM versin, but WGA saying its VLK  :-/

Can you run Belarc over it (takes about 20mins), and double check the key that Belarc comes back with for Office matches your key?

No, it doesn't! PM sent with discrepancy.

Nick
Replied.


As said, I've yet to see a WGA false positive.  Easy fix, even if a pain to do :D


OK, will do later on today.

Sorry for being ignorant, though, but how can the key that I typed in originally (and yesterday when I reinstalled) be completely different to that reported by Belarc on my system?   :-?
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 08 March 2010, 13:00:11
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Cheers for that Nickbat, that clouds it further. That is defo OEM, so if thats what you installed from, that should be OK.

OEM, for reference, is for system builders to cost effectively put on an OS and a Office suite cheaply on the condition that the OEM provides all support.  The licences are non transferrable between PCs (even if you are scrappying the old one).  There is a loophole in the licencing that it can be sold with certain hardware items, such as keyboards and mice.  That said, most component retailers ignore the rules and just sell it anyway.  OEM should not be available for consumers to just buy (hence why you won't see it in retail park electrical shops).


Where this is confusing is you have an OEM versin, but WGA saying its VLK  :-/

Can you run Belarc over it (takes about 20mins), and double check the key that Belarc comes back with for Office matches your key?

No, it doesn't! PM sent with discrepancy.

Nick
Replied.


As said, I've yet to see a WGA false positive.  Easy fix, even if a pain to do :D


OK, will do later on today.

Sorry for being ignorant, though, but how can the key that I typed in originally (and yesterday when I reinstalled) be completely different to that reported by Belarc on my system?   :-?
Think uninstall does not remove the digital key.

If you have completely reinstalled using your OEM media, the exact instructions on that link may work (save uninstalling/reinstalling) :y
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 08 March 2010, 13:02:35
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Think uninstall does not remove the digital key.

If you have completely reinstalled using your OEM media, the exact instructions on that link may work (save uninstalling/reinstalling) :y

Yes, I did. So I'll try the link you PM'd me.

Cheers, TB  :y
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 08 March 2010, 13:03:21
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Sorry for being ignorant, though, but how can the key that I typed in originally [snip] be completely different to that reported by Belarc on my system?   :-?
I suspect at some point between original install and now, maybe another Office component added, and an incorrect key used?  Impossible to say to be honest, but it wouldn't have changed it itself to a valid (but blocked) VLK.

Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Entwood on 08 March 2010, 13:14:02
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OK, will do later on today.

Sorry for being ignorant, though, but how can the key that I typed in originally (and yesterday when I reinstalled) be completely different to that reported by Belarc on my system?   :-?

I had to sort a similar glitch out a while back .... eventually discovered that the purchaser of an Office Standard version had wanted some other bits and had "borrowed" a cracked VLK version of Office Professional and done an upgrade ... they thought the original license covered them for the original install and only the extra bit was cracked !!!  Took me a while to explain that the upgrade was effectively another install of the whole singing match !!.

Easily solved by an uninstall, registry clean, reinstall of the original. They then whinged that they had "lost" the extras they wanted !!!!!!

Not sure where they go to get their systems fixed now, as after they paid me, reluctantly, but it was the only way they were leaving with their system !!, they have never been back ...  :y :y :y :y :y
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: Nickbat on 09 March 2010, 22:44:57
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Think uninstall does not remove the digital key.

If you have completely reinstalled using your OEM media, the exact instructions on that link may work (save uninstalling/reinstalling) :y

Yes, I did. So I'll try the link you PM'd me.

Cheers, TB  :y


Thanks, TB. Put the right key in the registry, rebooted, and no nasty messages. Look like it worked!  :y :y
Title: Re: "MS Office not genuine" message
Post by: TheBoy on 09 March 2010, 23:55:01
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Think uninstall does not remove the digital key.

If you have completely reinstalled using your OEM media, the exact instructions on that link may work (save uninstalling/reinstalling) :y

Yes, I did. So I'll try the link you PM'd me.

Cheers, TB  :y


Thanks, TB. Put the right key in the registry, rebooted, and no nasty messages. Look like it worked!  :y :y
Brilliant news :y