How can I tell if my copy of Office is genuine?

[Cyprus Hector]

I have just bought Microsoft Office professional 2010 through Amazon. I've loaded it and it's registered itself and it appears to be working ok. I have just seen a warning of fake copies by a seller on Ebay which contained a photo of the fake copy seal etc and it's identical to mine.

 

SEALED Microsoft Office 2010 Professional - Commercial on eBay (end time 12-Aug-10 17:32:08 BST)

 

The seller claims my copy is genuine. How can I find out if my copy is genuine?

[Armageddon]

Use Microsfts office validater http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/office/WhyValidate.aspx?displaylang=en hope this helps

[Cyprus Hector]

Thanks for that. I've been to the site but I'm no further forward. The Microsoft websites keep referring to the software activation process on installation as being the time when a fake copy would show up. My copy has installed and activated. Can I assume that is it, my copy is genuine and I won't suddenly get Microsoft jumping on me at a later date to say they've decided it was fake after all? How come the ebay seller had a photo of the alleged fake serial number on the box that was identical to my copy?

[Armageddon]

If office 2010 fails activation you get a big red bar across the top of the office program say word for instence also part of offices update process is to run Microsofts genuine software checker automatically but if yuor still unsure i'd drop support@microsoft.com a email

 

Dave

[PseFrank]

Try this link.......http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/office/whyvalidate.aspx

 

After clicking the link, look over to the lefthand side of your screen and click the Validate now button.

 

You may be asked to install a plugin...just follow the instructions.

[Cyprus Hector]

I did as you suggested and of course my copy of Office failed to be authenticated even though it had been when I installed it. I checked my copy of Windows 7 and that was fine.

I presume that Amazon will help me. We shall find out.

[BunniLeigh]

I hope you get it sorted.

[Cyprus Hector]

Thanks everyone. Reading Amazons dispute procedure I have to give the company concerned 3 working days to resolve the dispute before I can submit a dispute. Nowhere does it mention counterfeit goods which I would have thought Amazon would want to stamp on very quickly. Edited August 13, 2010 by PseFrank

[PseFrank]

I'm so sorry that your investigations have not revealed the results you hoped for. Lets hope that the company in question does the honourable thing and reinburses you. Please let us know how that goes.

 

I have taken the liberty of removing the company name from your post (At least for now). We don't want Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help to be accused of some sort of slander.

I will seek advice from the sites administrators regarding the inclusion of the company name. Thankyou for your understanding.

[RandyL]

Hi.

Amazon.com is a legitimate business where others can sell goods. Unfortunately just like on e-bay some sellers are not so honest.

[Plastic Nev]

I will add, for legitimate software it is always best to buy the license direct from the originator, in this case Microsoft. The cheaper versions sold by third parties have little guarantee they are legitimate and the fakers know this.

 

Nev.

[BeeCeeBee]

It would be nice if Amazon went back to being Amazon and gave up this ebay wannabe attempt. At very least they should stop playing with software sales unless it is for products that they actually own and purchased legitimately for resale.

 

There is clearly a reason for the price disparity. I am sure you will be made whole through Amazon but look at the hassle. At least with ebay we are on the lookout for the con. People do not expect that from Amazon. Craigs list anyone? (A totally US reference but you should google if if you are elsewhere. Lots of good stuff mixed with more scams than you can imagine.)

[Armageddon]

I gave the office validation a whirl it doesn't even detect my install of office lol

[Jelly Bean]

I have a weired one with office.

 

Office 2007 tests genuine on all my home PCs and laptops.Yet when I installed it on one of my works computers it said fail on the genuine testing.

 

I dont buy from sellers of any sites such as Amazon or Play.com.I buy direct only from the site owners/seller.

[Armageddon]

I got my copy of office 2010 from software for students I installed and it activated ok I ran the validation tool it would not detect it I had a quick chat with microsoft support via online chat and my product key is valid yay

[Cyprus Hector]

Amazon has replied I'm pleased to say unlike the seller. Amazon apologised for me having problems and of course doesn't allow counterfeit goods to be sold etc. I have to wait 3 working days before I can submit a claim for reimbursement under Amazons A-Z guarantee. I was surprised that they only allow you to have 5 'disputes' in your lifetime.

 

I'm still surprised that I was able to install counterfeit Microsoft software, have it verified on line by Microsoft so it worked and then get updates without realising it was fake. If I hadn't seen the warning I would be totally unaware. So when would I have had problems or would Office stop working? I can't be the only person unknowingly using counterfeit Office 2010.

[Cyprus Hector]

Oh and further to my post above, despite emailing Microsoft they haven't responded.

[Armageddon]

Hi Hector if you go to Microsoft's Support page's and do a online chat with them they will be able to confirm yes or no re your license Key it's what I did yesterday

 

Dave

[Cyprus Hector]

Do you have a link for that please? Trying to find my way around Microsoft isn't proving helpful.

[Armageddon]

Support for Office 2007 and 2010 problems click the online chat on the top right of the page

 

Dave

[Cyprus Hector]

Thanks for the link. I've spent some time going round in circles on the Microsoft sites trying to actually have an online conversation with someone without success. I've tried the various 0800 phone numbers but none work. I've found a page that does talk about genuine & counterfeit software but it appears Office 2010 is far too recent to appear and certainly not part of any Microsoft replacement scheme. I'm losing the will to live...

[Cyprus Hector]

I'm pleased to say that Amazon has refunded my money including postage. Lesson learned re buying software that's too cheap. I've now purchased Home & Business 2010 from PCWorld. I can see the difference with the Microsoft label and the disc itself as regards hologram. Trouble is, I've tried to authenticate the new copy through Microsoft genuine web page and it wont! Windows authenticates but not Office. Am I blacklisted by Microsoft now?

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Hector, did you completely uninstall the old not genuine copy of office first?

 

The authentication software may still be seeing that or even remnants of it.

 

If that is the case, I can only suggest downloading and using a third party uninstaller such as Revo, that will remove all traces, so you can then re install the new legal copy, which should then validate correctly.

 

Revo uninstaller can be downloaded from here-

 

Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems

 

You can download the full pro version for a 30 day free trial, or go for the less functional free version. I would use the thirty day trial to get you out of the present situation, then make your own decision as to whether you then buy the pro version or downgrade to the free.

Nev.

[Cyprus Hector]

Thanks for that I've done as suggested but it still doesn't like my copy of Office although I have had it validated by phone so I know it's genuine. I really don't think Microsoft has got a grip on this.

[Plastic Nev]

Well if it now cleared by phone to Microsoft I wouldn't worry and just use it. I doubt there will be any problems and it may well be that the online validation system is still behind.

A bit late, and maybe a bit cheeky too, but you could always try the free "Open Office" software, it does everything that Microsoft office does and is totally free.

You can download, or at least look at what is about here-

OpenOffice.org - The Free and Open Productivity Suite

Best of luck.

Nev.