UKC

Every time I try to open Word it says 'Preparing to Install', then comes up with 'Installation Error', then wants to send an internet message to Microsoft...this provcess repeats itself ad nauseam before it eventually aborts - or I abort it. Guess I'll have to get hold of a copy of Office and re-install it? Is it that simple?

In reply to Marc C:

Is anything ever that simple with microsoft office!

In reply to Marc C:

What operating system you got.. and is it for home use?

In reply to Marc C:

Are you using your own copy, pre-installed by manufactuer or a networked version at work.

I've had this problem in my office at university, where they've made changes to the server and taken office off, and probably re-installed it in a new location. If its your own copy you've installed, then this shouldn't be happening, the only thing you can do is re-install office.

hope that helps

In reply to JRobertson: It's for home use - XP.

Try here:

http://www.openoffice.org/

In reply to Marc C:

Try placing the install disc in the CD drive before you open Word... That sometimes allows it to find whatever files it's after. Other than that, check the Microsoft knowledgebase for a listing for the fault; there may be a patch available. If that fails, then you're probably looking at a re-install.

Anyhow, what's this with you using the 'Professional' version? You're getting a bit la-di-da aren't you? I can send you on a copy of Microsoft Office Blundering Amateur if you prefer?

In reply to Marc C: sounds like you are using a limited account? After office is installed by an administrator it needs to be run by the administrator before it can be used by a limited account.

if you are using an administrative account you need to reinstall office.

In reply to Philip: Thanks

In reply to Darren Jackson: I don't HAVE the disc - some blundering amateur techie has it!

In reply to Marc C:

Sent you an Email

In reply to Marc C:

Done you get the option when installing office etc to "install when needed" meaning it dont install, not till you try to use it, and then it will need the install CD

In reply to Ian Straton: Basically some guy wiped all the files off our computer (because we were having trouble accessing the internet) - said he could then see how fast it went (?). When he brought it back he's installed Office for us. But every time we open Word it comes up with Preparing to Install (which we usually Cancel, then it opened OK...but not anymore)

In reply to Ian Straton: oh yeah and when you are asked if you want compact, typical, complete or custom installation always use complete. that avoids all sorts of problems later on.

In reply to Marc C: sounds like an arse to me! do you have the installation disks? If not ask your guy for them, assuming your software is licenced propely he should be able to give you the disks.

In reply to Ian Straton: I'll try to get hold of them from somewhere...I'd prefer not to see this guy again or let him near my computer!

In reply to Marc C: well, you need those disks if you want office to work so I suggest that you ask him for them before you severe all communications with him! If he won't give them to you threaten report him to microsoft's anti piracy group, if he still won't then actually report him, from what you have said he is a cowboy! http://www.microsoft.com/uk/piracy/default.mspx

Incidently if you paid for legit software and were sold pirate then it is the reseller that is at fault not you so don't be worried about reporting it.

In reply to Marc C:

Marc, if you need a copy let me know. I can pop a cd round when I am passing.

In reply to newhey: Thanks for the offer, Simon. Jim's already kindly offered to send me one. But appreciated.

PS I never knew till today how well loved I am on this forum...sob...