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I have a new laptop with Vista. It included a trial version of MS Office 2007. I want to remove this so I can install my Office 2003. Problem is that the 2007 does not appear in Control Panel Programs & Features - How do I remove it? Any advice welcomed!

Vista does support Microsoft Office 2003, so once you’ve uninstalled Office 2007, you should have no trouble using it. That said, it is definitely a good idea to uninstall the trial version before you install Office 2003 - there are lots of sob stories on the web about people who have trouble trying to install 2003 over the Office 2007 trial.

Look for Uninstaller

You say that it does not appear in Programs and Features - I want you to try one more thing before we get down to the nitty gritty. Go to Start. In the Search Box type: uninstall. Look through the list of uninstall programs to see if you can find an “uninstall Microsoft Office 2007″ uninstaller in the list. If so, double-click and follow the prompts.

Check Programs and Features

If not, let’s try Programs and Features once again, just in case. Once again, use the Search box as a handy shortcut. This time, type: programs and features. Click on the icon for Programs and Features. Let the system load this screen completely. It sometimes takes a while for all programs to populate this list. In addition, make sure that you haven’t previously “filtered” the results. For example, if you click on the right portion of any category such as Name, Publisher, Installed On, or Size, a submenu appears allowing you to filter or sort the results. If you have the list filtered, then you could be inadvertently hiding the Office trial version.

Uninstall Office Steps

Do you see anything with Office 2007 in the subject? If so, then click Uninstall/Change. If you don’t see anything with Microsoft Office 2007, then you need to get into the registry and do some adjustments there. While this is not a difficult process, it is rather long and complicated with registry changes that you have to make exactly. Click on the link to Microsoft support for uninstalling Office 2007 in registry, as the steps are too intricate to list here.

This process requires that you log in to the system as an administrator - if this is your personal computer you will likely be set up as the administrator. This is a multistep process where you will remove any Windows Installer Packages, stop the Office Source Engine, remove the Installation folders and files and then remove the registry subkeys.

As always, if you are going in to edit the registry, make sure you know what you’re doing. Any changes that you make to the registry can affect the whole system. Also make sure that you have your data backed up before you try to work through this process. After you’ve completed the uninstall, you should be able to restart your computer and then install your version of Microsoft Office 2003. If you get an error message while you are trying to install Office 2003, temporarily disable your spyware and malware programs while you are installing and you should be able to install it with no more problems.

I’m guessing that your computer came with a trial version of Microsoft Office pre-installed or that you downloaded a trial version of the software. All was probably fine up until the trial period expired. And now here you are unable to use the software. A couple of other possibilities exist, too which I’ll discuss as well.

Microsoft Office Trial Versions

Microsoft, like many software developers, offers trial versions of its software so that potential customers can try it out before they buy. If this is what happened to you, then it’s time to make a decision. Do you like the product enough to buy it? If so, the answer is simple, purchase the product and “unlock” the software. If not, it’s time to find an alternative.

What Happens when the Trial Expires?

Trial versions from Microsoft typically last 60 days. When the end comes near, reminders are supposed to pop up on your screen, notifying you that the software will expire soon and asking you if you want to convert to the full featured product. If you allow the software to expire, then the software goes into reduced functionality mode. In other words, it stops working as it should and you are blocked from creating new documents and editing existing ones.

Unlocking the Trial Version

If you decide to buy the full featured product, you can do so without having to uninstall/reinstall the software. Simply go to Microsoft Office Online and purchase a “perpetual” Office product key. Go into Word, click the Office button, click Word Options, click Resources, and then click Activate. Follow the prompts and enter the product key.

It’s easier to convert to the full featured product during the actual trial period. In this case, when reminded that the software is about to expire, simply click on Convert and follow the prompts. You’ll be taken online where you can purchase the product key.

More details are listed in Microsoft’s FAQs about trial versions.

Unactivated Microsoft Products

Another possibility is that you have purchased the product but failed to activate it. When the software isn’t activated within a specific time period, it reverts to reduced functionality mode as described above. This mode makes the software act like a viewer. When this happens, you can’t create new documents or edit existing ones. All you can do is view them. If this is the case, you must activate the software. Activation is a process where your computer connects to the Microsoft servers so that your product key can be verified as legitimate. To activate the software, go into Microsoft Word, click the Office button, click Word Options, click Resources, and click Activate.

Word Viewer

Another possibility that comes to mind is that your computer may have the Word Viewer rather than the full version of Microsoft Word. If you have the Viewer, then you cannot enter text by design as it is a viewer program only.

Alternatives to Microsoft Word

If you find yourself in the position where you must purchase Word in order to begin using it, you may be wondering if any free or less costly alternatives exist. Yes, they do! Check out this article discussing alternatives to Microsoft Office.

For better or for worse, most software conflicts are going to find you. You may see an error message that contains “System32\Autoexec.NT” or you may get the dreaded “This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down.” The System 32 error happens when you try to run an MS DOS program or a 16-bit program on a Windows XP system. Anytime you see one of these errors, it most likely means that you have a conflict in your software somewhere.

Driver Incompatibility

Most conflicts are going to happen when you update your operating system and are using programs that have older drivers. The best way to solve this when it happens is to find out the device manufacturer, go to the website and download an updated driver. To do this for your devices:

1. Go to My Computer and then choose Properties.
2. Click on the Hardware tab and then to Device Manager.
3. Expand the Device Manager to see the types of drivers for your devices.

Download Drivers

Once you have found the manufacturer for your device drivers, or the program software, go to that website and you will likely easily find the place to download updated drivers. Most manufacturers make them prominent on the website and all you have to do is press the download button, download the driver to your desktop or to a folder and then open it to let it run.

Microsoft Support

If you are getting System 32\Autoexec errors, there is a rather long and complicated fix on the Microsoft website. Click on the link to Microsoft Support article for System 32 errors to find all of the steps as they are too involved to list here.

I’m unclear about whether you are anticipating software conflicts or you feel that you might be having some on your system. At the very least, make sure that your major programs and operating systems are kept updated, either automatically or manually from time to time. If you are getting specific error message, come back and post them here and we can help you resolve the issues one by one.

I have tried to download PowerPoint for two years now but I am still unable to get the program to run. HELP?

PowerPoint Installation Problems

I’m curious about the circumstances of your PowerPoint problems. For example, which version of PowerPoint is giving you trouble? Where are you getting the original installation file? Also, did the other applications in Office install okay? Does your system meet the minimum system requirements to run this program?

Known Office Issues with Windows 2000 SP3

If your computer is running Windows 2000, Service Pack 3, a known issue prevents some Office applications from running. Several specific error messages can appear with this issue, with the end result being that you can’t run the Office program. This is related to incompatibilities between Windows Installer versions and permissions. If you’re running Windows 2000 SP3, view this Microsoft Knowledgebase article for details.

Starting PowerPoint in Office Safe Mode

Depending on the version, you may be able to start PowerPoint in Office Safe Mode. Office Safe Mode starts the required program with fewer features and user customizations. To open PowerPoint in Office Safe Mode, assuming PowerPoint is installed, hold the Control key while launching the application.

Repair PowerPoint

Microsoft Office comes with built-in repair tools that often solve tricky problems. Depending on the version of Office you’re running, the tool is called either Detect and Repair or Microsoft Office Diagnostics (2007). Either way, you can access this tool from one of the other Office applications or through the Microsoft folder.

In older versions of Office, start one of the working programs, choose Help > Detect and Repair. In Office 2007, start one of the working programs, go to the Office button, click “Program” (Word, Excel, etc) Options, click Resources, find “Run MS Office Diagnostics, and click Diagnose.

You can also go into Add and Remove Programs (Programs and Features if you have Windows Vista) which is found in the Control Panel and find the original Office installation in the list. Click on Repair to repair the installation.

Uninstall Data Assistant

Again, depending on the version, PowerPoint may be failing to run due to an incompatibility problem - this time with Data Assistant for Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 and Office Service Pack 1 and above.

Uninstalling Microsoft Data Assistant 1.0 using Add and Remove Programs will solve this problem. See this Microsoft Help and Support article for details.

Hopefully one of these tips will get PowerPoint up and running for you after all of this time. Another option is to try using OpenOffice.org’s presentation program instead. Like the other OpenOffice.org applications, this particular one is free.

Is there a review site that is available to average computer users to get comprehensive and reliable advice on software?

CNET Reviews

Yes! Try CNET Reviews. CNET is a highly respected organization that provides unbiased reviews based on tests performed in their labs, user input, and hands-on use. They review thousands of products including computers, hardware, software, monitors, computer devices and printers, laptops, digital cameras, DVD players, TVs, and more. Go to the CNET Web site and click on Reviews and then choose the relevant category from the list. From there, you’ll be able to read detailed reviews by CNET editors and users, view video reviews, read articles, see graphical ratings, and get an overview of the products features and price range.

You can also compare products to similar offerings which is nice when several editions are offered or many products from different vendors have been reviewed.

CNET Downloads

The Downloads section of CNET is also a useful area for computer users. Here you can search for specific types of computer programs and see numerous offerings ranging from free programs to commercial editions. You’ll find reviews and be able to download the applications with confidence that you are using a respected download site that doesn’t discriminately post programs. In fact, CNET tests all downloads for spyware before they offer them on their site.

Softpedia

Another good site is Softpedia.com. This site features reviews, articles, ratings, and downloads. You’ll often see the “100% Clean: No Spyware, No Adware, No Viruses - Certified by Softpedia” graphic on web sites that have earned this certification for their products. This is a respected certification that verifies a product has passed Softpedia’s testing process. However, it’s always smart to double check the Softpedia.com Web site to make sure that the product has in fact passed the tests. After all, developers of malicious software have been known to copy and paste logos from legitimate sources.

Tucows

Tucows is one of the original software download sites and is a huge resource for users of all abilities. You’ll find software reviews as well as tools, videos, and downloads. Like Softpedia and CNET, Tucows ratings are highly sought after by software vendors. On a related note, Tucows has launched Butterscotch.com which uses a similar approach only in video form.

West Coast Labs

Another resource is West Coast Labs. This organization is an independent testing facility that certifies information security products and services. You can look up different security products such as anti-virus or anti-spyware programs and view their test results and certification status.

Each of the above mentioned Web sites should provide you with a wealth of resources when researching software products. In addition, Filetonic.com is growing and we occasionally review products. For example, we recently reviewed about 20 antivirus applications for 2009 as well as online backup programs.

I have purchased a new PC and have installed Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 however every time I switch on the computer it asks me to input the activation code, which I do however it happens each time I switch on the PC. I tried activation on line and it says it is not a valid code.

Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Activation Errors

Microsoft Product Activation

Microsoft includes a product activation procedure with its products as an anti-piracy measure that verifies the legitimate license of software programs and reduces the occurrence of users accessing these programs through shareware or free download websites.

Microsoft Trial Software Programs

Sometimes activation errors are caused by the remnants of a previous trial version of Office software remaining on the computer and interfering with your new software installation. Even if you are not aware of installing a trial version of Microsoft Office, many new computers come with this kind of trial software installed as promotional material, encouraging users to try and then purchase the programs.

Uninstall Trial Software Versions

To uninstall the trial version follow the steps below.

1. Open the Start Menu, then choose Control Panel, and then Add/Remove Programs
2. Find the Office 2007 trial version listing and select Remove

***If you are unsure of the listings, or if you want to reinstall your Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007, remove all the Office listings now***

1. If a Maintenance Mode dialog box opens, select Uninstall Office and then Next
2. A confirmation box will open, select Yes

Windows Installer Cleanup Utility

Sometimes Windows installations are hard to remove and bits remain behind on your systems and continue to wreak havoc for your new installations. If you are still having problems after using Windows Add/Remove, or if the trial version is still showing up in All Programs after you remove it, you can download and run the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility. To run this utility you need a Windows user account with administrator access and a 32 or 64 bit Windows program.

Reload and Register Office by Telephone

Now you can reload the Office 2007 software disks and reinstall the program. I hope that this works to resolve the issue. If not, it is possible that either your software disks or the program are flawed. Some users with this problem have had success with their activation codes by registering their Windows Office versions by telephone. It is definitely a bigger hassle than registering online, but might be worth it if you are still getting this message. Microsoft telephone activation center phone numbers vary by country and region. To find the center nearest you, perform a browser search for Windows Office 2007 Telephone Activation Center.