Registration Key Won't Work with Publisher 2002

Since you "... can get a copy of the new version of Publisher for $7.00 ..." I would certainly suggest that you simply do that.   There's really nothing we can do here that will make your key work.  

Just to be sure I understand the issue, however, is the key not working to simply complete the installation? ... or is it simply not activating after it's installed?   If it's the latter, a call to Microsoft's telephone activation line should resolve that with no hassle (simply explain that you re-installed it).

First, I admit, I've never had to call for a new key AND successfully gotten one - the one time I did call I couldn't get the key because I couldn't identify the CD Product code.  Still, I've never heard of Microsoft charging you $50 for a new key.  New CDs maybe... but not new key.  I'd give them a call.

Well ... it wasn't a charge specifically for the key but to call their tech support. I found something on a messageboard regarding lost keys that directed you to call Microsoft. The only line I could find on their website to call mentioned a $49.99 rate for calling it. So, I assumed that was a flat rate for all calls.

It told me my code was invalid when installing. I did a little run tweak I found on the Microsoft site to do if you got this error which did install the program. But, once the program opens, it won't allow use until you enter in a valid key. Mine still didn't work with this.

We'll be eligible to order the $7.00 Publisher in August. The site only allows us to order Microsoft products once a year. We ended up just switching some computers around to get one with Publisher on it in the needed area.

Hehe. Yea, so far ... so good. The only probably with the $7.00 sollution is that we'll have to buy five license. Still not a bad way to go though.

It would certainly seem like the "$7 solution" was a simple way to resolve this -- and in the author's final comment it seemed that what was going to be done.   If that wasn't what was done, a note as to what the "different route" was would be nice -- just to know how the issue was resolved.   I object to a deletion when the thread reads as if what I suggested is what was done -- if that's not the case, I'd just like to know it.

hey gary, i apologize for being vague.

the computer this was an issue with was in a location my boss liked. we weren't going to be eligible to purchase Publisher for a few more weeks (a non-profit restriction from the vendor) and we'd have to buy 5-10 copies of the program. My boss ended up telling me to just switch the computer with another one in the building that had publisher on it.

i'm fairly certain all the registration/security codes for our office, publisher, and windows xp discs have been discarded sometime well before my hire. if i end up having to do a clean install again i could be in trouble. argh.

No problem.   Since I posted an objection, your delete has been stopped automatically -- so if you still want to delete the question you'll need to start it again (a moderator will tell you the same thing once the "objection" just processed).   Or you COULD [ :-) ] just Accept my initial suggestion to close the question -- since it IS a reasonable resolution ... even though you didn't use it.

as michelle tanner would say, "you got it, dude."

By the way, you might want to experiment a bit with Open Office on one of your systems => it's VERY compatible with Office 2003 (and earlier).   Virtually no difference when working with Word files or most Excel spreadsheets (I've converted some very complex Excel sheets that work just fine -- the only thing I had to "play" with were some web-based queries).

The complication is when using Access databases -- and even then, you only need one actual Access license (on the system where the database is stored) to use the database from multiple Open Office clients.   If your database isn't too complex, you could simply convert it to OpenOffice "Base" and wouldn't need ANY Access licenses.

Just a thought ... but Open Office does have a price that's even nicer than $7 :-)  [i.e. "free"]
http://openoffice.org-suite.com/index.asp?aff=101&camp=gg_oo_us&se=google

i am a big fan of open office, actually. it's just hard for me to get everyday folks to trust something that doesn't come with a price tag. it's a shame, really, as it is such a great program.

I agree ... it's a great suite of programs, and for the vast majority of folks they'd not really even notice the difference.   But the "momentum" of Microsoft Office is difficult to overcome.