I had the same problem and after calling Microsoft's Activation people, I finally just purchased a download of Microsoft Office 2003 Professional for $69.95 and it works flawlessly. Just click on one of the emails you get for special OEM software and you will end up at the same website. I also puchased Microsoft Windows XP Professional, SP2 from the same site for $49.99 and it also works flawlessly. Incidentally, I own both full versions of the Microsoft software.