Do I have a legitimate disk? (A really Long Question)

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Jorad - 27 Oct 2005 02:14 GMT

We were cleaning out our computer related storage area, and I came upon
a "Not for Retail or OEM Distribution" disk for Office:mac 2001. The
CD includes the CD case with orange CD Key sticker on the back.

I'm assuming that the software was installed at one time since there is
a handwritten Product ID # that contains the CD key in the number. All
of the Macintosh computers that were ever used by the company are
accounted for and doesn't have the software installed on it, but
anybody who would have purchased (aquired) this disk has moved on to
other employment, so it is difficult to determine if this software disk
is legitimate, and whether I would qualify to purchase an Office:mac
2004 upgrade.

Is there a way to determine with Microsoft using the CD key # if
everything is good?

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Daiya Mitchell - 28 Oct 2005 12:57 GMT

I'm afraid no one (including me) seems to have a clue.

Apparently you don't have to actually install the previous version, but can
simply insert the 2001 CD in the drive for upgrade verification.

The disk as you describe it does sound very similar to the $20 MS Office
2001 I got under an academic license, and that purchase did not qualify for
upgrades. My disk does not specify academic license. But I haven't a clue
what regular retail packaging for Office 2001 was, nor any clue how the
technology works that recognizes non-qualifying versions, nor a clue whether
volume license copies qualify (it sounds like they may have sent the same
disks for volume purchases whether academic or corporate).

This page *might* suggest a number to call and ask. Or it might be possible
to install it just enough to read the EULA? But I'm not even sure that info
is in the EULA.

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246

> We were cleaning out our computer related storage area, and I came upon
> a "Not for Retail or OEM Distribution" disk for Office:mac 2001. The
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> Is there a way to determine with Microsoft using the CD key # if
> everything is good?

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Daiya Mitchell, MVP Mac/Word
Word FAQ: http://www.word.mvps.org/
MacWord Tips: <http://www.word.mvps.org/MacWordNew/>
What's an MVP? A volunteer! Read the FAQ: http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/

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Jorad - 28 Oct 2005 21:10 GMT

I have a feeling that this disk was brought in by a student or former
student of a post-secondary institution who thought they'd save the
church a little money and install their copy of Office on the churches
computer. At one time this church was an acredited learning
institution (theological seminary), but this was back in the 80's.

It surprises me how many people assume that since a church is
non-profit/has a tight budget/run by volunteers/etc. that the normal
rules don't apply.

I'll do a little digging and see if I can't find the answer here.

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Mac Forum / Applications / MS Office / October 2005

Do I have a legitimate disk? (A really Long Question)