TOTALLY OT...can I get a Microsoft Office prod. key w/out paying?

[KristyBDJ]

Sorry this is so OT but I love the DIS for the fact that everyone is so helpful no matter what the question is. Anyway...I have a Gateway laptop and I didn't realize that all of the programs are trial versions only. I don't have $150 laying around right now to buy the full version. I don't understand why you should have to pay hundreds more just make an already expensive comp. work. Anyway, wondering if anyone here can help me out. TIA everyone!

 

[SandrA9810]

yep it's possible. There's websites that provide the numbers for free.

 

[debbi801]

Please be aware that what you're asking is illegal and may invalidate any warrantees you have on the laptop. In addition, if your software required an update (due to virus protection, fixes, etc.) Microsoft can tell if it is a valid number.

 

[greens_in_WA]

looking for or finding a "free" (aka stolen code) may also expose you to viruses or other malware... sorry the programs weren't included... one more thing to check when computer shopping... good luck to you.

 

[OctMtnWoods]

Look into OpenOffice and see if it has what you need. It should. Its free & compatible with Microsofts Office.
And its LEGAL.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=openoffice&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Getting that is called pirating software. Like a PP said, if you do that, and you update the OS with patches, etc. you may get a really really nasty suprise from microsoft.

there are a lot of freeware word processing programs available.

 

[eliza61]

Didn't they just charge some women millions of dollars for illegally down loading music. I can imagine what microsoft would do to some one illegally (and obtaining a product key without paying for it is illegal) stealing their soft ware. I think I'm more afraid of Bill Gates than I am the IRS. LOL

 

[vanyel]

Are you a college student? Some universities/colleges have contracts with microsoft for either reduced cost software (really cheap!) or free downloads.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

check on openoffice.org

 

[merekc]

Are you a college student? Some universities/colleges have contracts with microsoft for either reduced cost software (really cheap!) or free downloads.

Also, check the local computer store. Please verify, because I'm not 100% but I was thinking I heard Microsoft loosened the educational software rules a bit and they now include K-12th grade, so if you have children in school you are eligible for the educational version (same program, lower price). I think it runs around $100. (Again, verify at store, I could be wrong).

 

[Bren's Mom]

ANY college student can get MS Office Ultimate for $59.95 through this link:

http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx

 

[KristyBDJ]

Ok, I would like to state that in no way was I setting out to do anything illegal. I'm not the most technologically savvy person in the world and I thought that maybe it was possible that a product key could be used more than once and if so that maybe someone would share. Thats all, just wanted to clarify.

 

[JB2K]

I, too, don't endorse piracy, of any sort -- in the long run, it just jacks-up the price for everyone.

That said, I know of a couple of legit ways for consumers to get MS Office for far less...

• Student/Teacher edition - available at Warehouse Clubs/Office Supply Chains
• Military Appreciation Edition - Available (to authorized shoppers) at Military Exchanges, worldwide

 

[dis75ney]

ANY college student can get MS Office Ultimate for $59.95 through this link:

http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx

That's what I did as a 33-year-old college student last year...

 

[OctMtnWoods]

Again I suggest OpenOffice. FREE. It was made for people who don't / can't spend the price for a commerical license from Microsoft. OpenOffice is made by Sun Microsystems, the same people responsible for Java, so you know its reliable, safe & supported.



Military? Last year DH picked Microsoft Office up for $19.95.

I googled & found this. No idea if still available.
http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7681925796/m/1490087071001

 

[zachnsamsmommy]

I have OpenOffice and love it! I downloaded it about 3 mos ago when my trial of Microsoft Office ended (and I didn't want to shell out the $$$ for continuing it). It is a great processing program, and I actually like it better than Microsoft!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Just to clarify... in the world of software (and music) sharing IS stealing. Now that you know it's illegal, there are plenty of ways you can obtain a legitimate code for a reasonable price. And $150 for a full-blown version of Office 2007 is a good deal if you're unable to get a student or other discount. The student/teacher versions of Office may be used on up to 3 computers (of your own) and it runs about $125 before additional sales or discounts.

Ok, I would like to state that in no way was I setting out to do anything illegal. I'm not the most technologically savvy person in the world and I thought that maybe it was possible that a product key could be used more than once and if so that maybe someone would share. Thats all, just wanted to clarify.

 

[lovndisney]

I too have the open office program. I downloaded for when I have to do stuff for work and its actually more compatible with some of my work stuff then my actual work computer as I work in the field and have not had any upgrades on my pc like the main office has.

 

[mountdew1]

Ok, I would like to state that in no way was I setting out to do anything illegal. I'm not the most technologically savvy person in the world and I thought that maybe it was possible that a product key could be used more than once and if so that maybe someone would share. Thats all, just wanted to clarify.

Some product codes can be used more than once. However, they are typically covered under contracts stating when and where they can be used. Example, many companies have a "site" license, a single code that covers all computers located at that given site for the company. But any consumer license is typically good only for 1 machine, or as a PP said occasionally for multiples, but it usually specifies that they are for a single family/household. Selling/transferring the licenses can get them revoked, declared null/invoid, yadda, yadda, yadda. If you don't need Office 2007 you may be able to locate an older version of Office for less, but not for free.

OpenOffice.org, or Lotus' Symphony are both decent free office suites. There are other derivatives from both of those. Also check out GoogleDocs, you may be able to do what you need using their online service for free.

 

[mistysue]

Open office is actually a better program, in addition to being free.

It also both saves and opens microsoft office formats and star office formats. You can also save files as a pdf, which can save you a LOT of money on getting adobe or the time to scan things in.