Office 2003 Uninstallation + Reformatting

[v877051]

Expert needed.

I love this version and stick by it.

Since I install/uninstall programs a lot and, for other reasons irrelevant to this post, I simply choose to reformat/perform clean installations of my O/S frequently.

However, I notice nothing consistent with the MSO 2003 activation process.

Unlike, for example, Photoshop CS4 Extended, there's no official "Help," "Deactivate" option. We can only, obviously, either uninstall through Programs & Features, use something like Revo Uninstaller Pro (which simply pulls some more garbage along with it,) etc.

I've prowled sites for answers, but this seems to be up in the air as of current, and the closest I've come to answer were referrals to Microsoft Activation telephone numbers.

The inconsistency I referenced was this: Within 30 days I did 2 reformats. They were on the same machine, same Windows (admin) login name, yet telephone activation WAS required.

The other example was, that a much much longer gap has transpired (I honestly don't remember how long,) but I do know the names were different and other variables that I honestly have no clue if they even factor-in differed + the timeframe, and the phone activation wasn't necessary and, to add, internet activation by using, say, Excel on first run was successful on a nearly instantaneous basis!

Could someone out there please provide the proper solution to Deactivate, Deauthorize, or whatever the term is for Office 2003 (or any other version for that matter,) even-if it means calling a specific department to do so?

To correct an earlier sentence, the phone referrals were for general questions.

Thanks, guys.

 

[niemiro]

I use Windows OEM, and so Windows Activates automatically on a re-install, and have had no problems with it! 100% success rate!

 

[niemiro]

P.S. Lovin' "I have "unofficial" ways of passing WindowsGenuineAdvantage."

 

[v877051]

Niemiro,

Just so we're on the same page, you had said you use MSO 2003 as an OEM version.

I, too, have an OEM version, stripped of the Retail box + frivoloties, etc. However, when I run setup (autoplay or from CD,) I still have to type-in my Product Key.

To activate, once I'm done, I have to open-up any of the (chosen) MSO 2003 files, like a blank Excel spreadsheet.

From there, I get the pop-up to Activate Over the Internet (or not.)

Is your Product Key integrated into your installation CD?

PS - I saw the thing about bypassing WGA... seems dicey. Lots of talk about that, Win7 and Windows Vista "Loaders," but it's all-too-risky for, what, some features and benefits? I think it's not one worth putting on the scales.

I did, btw, try to reinstall again, and got NO phone activation issue. I'm trying to figure out what/how/why this is triggered and when. Microsoft Activation (also WGA support, aka the HowToTell page,) doesn't provide clear answers.

Thanks, folks, and as always, always good to hear from niemiro in a reply. (big poster. lol.)

v877051

 

[v877051]

Oh... I just realized you were "lol'ing" at my poll.