In news:9C9B14F3-B7CA-4276-BA3C-09E5D1611F98@microsoft.com,
Michael <Michael@discussions.microsoft.com> had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:

> Hi, hope someone can help steer me towards a solution here:
>
> I bought my Compaq Presario laptop almost a year ago; all works fine;
> but just this week, I've been attempting to open up some of the
> "included" Microsoft Office programs that were already installed on
> the hard drive; especially Word, and Powerpoint.
>
> Well, as the program(s) open, a dialogue box asks me to input the
> 25-digit authenticity number on the back; yes, it is clearly there on
> the back, but after I enter it, the program immediately tells me:
> "You have entered an incorrect number", and then refuses to go any
> further.
>
> I've double and triple checked .. many times ... tried different case
> letterings ... still cannot get the software to correctly open and
> run.
>
> I expect (as in the past) lengthy delays in any attempt to reach
> someone to help at Compaq ... sure hope someone here can recommend
> any ideas?
>
> Until then, I cannot open any MS Office programs that came with the
> laptop.
>
> Thanks greatly!

Just one insight... The COA on the laptop (the sticker on the back) will be
the COA for your operating system and not for Office. Such will likely be
included in your package of information that you got with the laptop though.
Try entering the one inside your literature.

--
Galen - MS MVP - Windows (Shell/User & IE)
http://dts-l.org/

"A man should keep his little brain attic stocked with all the
furniture that he is likely to use, and the rest he can put away in the
lumber-room of his library where he can get it if he wants it."

Sherlock Holmes