Microsoft home/student trial was installed on my computer when I got it. I have purchased Office Pro and need to know if I need to uninstall the trial version before installing it. If so, what all do I need to uninstall?
Uninstall or Convert
Microsoft Office trial versions have a convert feature that allows you to convert the trial to the commercial version by entering the purchased product key. This is convenient as uninstalling and reinstalling are not necessary. However, the conversion is version specific. In your case, you will need to uninstall the Home/Student trial version of Microsoft Office because it is a different version than the Office Professional version. If you were converting to the Home/Student version of Office, all you’d need to do is enter your product key information.
Uninstalling the Office Trial Version
Microsoft recommends uninstalling the trial version prior to installing the full product. Uninstalling the trial version is relatively simple and painless. To do so, go to the Control Panel and use the Add and Remove Programs tool to remove it. If you have Windows Vista, go to the Control Panel and use the Programs and Features (which is the same utility as Add and Remove Programs with a new name) tool to remove it.
Once you’re in Add and Remove Programs, click Change or Remove Programs and then scroll through the list in search of Microsoft Office. Keep in mind that the label for Microsoft Office might not say “trial version.” Highlight the program and uninstall it.
In Programs and Features, the steps are slightly different. You’ll find Microsoft Office in the list first and then click the Uninstall/Change button.
Reboot and Install
While it’s not necessary to reboot, starting with a freshly booted computer for a major installation is smart. Close any running programs that may have preloaded with the reboot to minimize any potential interference and then install Microsoft Office Pro.
Activate Office
Once installed, you’ll be prompted to enter your product key. In addition, you will need to activate your copy of Office Pro. An Activation Wizard will walk you through this process. You can activate your copy over the Internet or by calling Microsoft. While you do not need to activate your copy immediately, you will eventually need to do so or else the software will go into limited functionality mode so you might as well take the time now to do it.
