MS Word Tech Help needed, please

Steely_Gunz

Steely_Gunz

Got the Khukuri fevah
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OK, I have just run into a bit of a problem with my MS Office program that I cannot figure out for the life of me.

The full MSO 2007 was included on my hard drive when i purchased my computer a year ago. However, after working fine for many many documents, I tried to start a new document in Word and the program is basically locked.

If I try to type inside the word doc, it flashes in the bottom header something like "modification not allowed because section is locked". I open an existing doc and it pops up, but I can't edit it either.

Every section of the program is basically faded and locked. I tried contacting MS, of course that was a cruel joke. After 20 minutes of waiting I gave up and decided I might get a better answer here.

Any tech gurus have any ideas as to what it might be?

Thanks in advance.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
OK, I have just run into a bit of a problem with my MS Office program that I cannot figure out for the life of me.

The full MSO 2007 was included on my hard drive when i purchased my computer a year ago. However, after working fine for many many documents, I tried to start a new document in Word and the program is basically locked.

If I try to type inside the word doc, it flashes in the bottom header something like "modification not allowed because section is locked". I open an existing doc and it pops up, but I can't edit it either.

Every section of the program is basically faded and locked. I tried contacting MS, of course that was a cruel joke. After 20 minutes of waiting I gave up and decided I might get a better answer here.

Any tech gurus have any ideas as to what it might be?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

It sounds like you had a trial version that expired. Do you have the documentation from when you bought your computer? If so, does it mention anything about your MSOFFICE being a trial version?

Also, what does it say when you click on Help / About? If this software is a trial version it will tell you in the About window.

If it is not a trial version there are other solutions...I'll post some links.
 
That might be part of the problem.

See, my wonderful Compaq laptop was bought in Feb '08 and crapped out on me in June '08. I sent it in for warranty repair. Basically, they wiped the machine clean. When I got it back, I never re-entered the product code.

Upon trying it now, it is not valid. How much do you want to bet that it is a different product code now:rolleyes: I really don't have all day to spend waiting on the phone...sigh.

I do appreciate the help.:thumbup:
 
Yep, morrow's onto it I think. A lot of computer manufacturers will pre-install trial versions of Office and the end user won't know... they'll be making documents for the 60 days or whatever, then BAM! Trial expired.

Jake, did you ever buy a full version of Office 2007 after getting this computer? I know MS also has this option where you buy a product key to convert the trial into a full version. If so, and you had proof of the purchase, there's a department that may be able to send you new Office installation discs.
 
They probaly installed their own copy and just didnt bother telling you.

Graves' advice seems like the most likely to work.
 
Or just install openoffice, and never again think of EULAs, product codes and trial versions.
 
openoffice is ok, but not near as flash as MO.
Also, I had trouble editing openoffice documents with MS Word.

Openoffoice is better though. You can PDF without getting adobe. I hate adobe.
 
Thanks so much, guys. I do appreciate it:D:thumbup:

I have a sneaking suspicion that they reinstalled all the stuff with their own disc and now the product code does not match up. The good news is that I will have to take it up with HP/Compaq. I will say that they were very easy to get along with regarding my repairs.

I might give openoffice a try. I have very few docs that I need to open or send. Most of my word processing is just typing up one-off sheets or estimates. Actually I could get by with Works, but obviously Word is superior.
 
Yeah, i thought they just used their own disk.
Whick means they need to re-install using your one or a new one and activate it.

About taking it up with HP/Compaq, just tell them your uncle in Chuck Norris. Nuff said.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
I might give openoffice a try. I have very few docs that I need to open or send. Most of my word processing is just typing up one-off sheets or estimates. Actually I could get by with Works, but obviously Word is superior.
Click to expand...

I like the OO.o Writer application. It's rare that I make up documents, but when I do, it's usually fancy-schmancy, and Writer has a lot of formatting options. As per the sometimes-touted abilit yo read .doc files... I wouldn't bank on it too much, but as a word processor for making your own stuff, the price is right. :thumbup:
 
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