(just noticed this was a MacWord thread)

Yes, I think they disallowed ambiguous characters about the same time they
stupidly decided to call it the Product Key instead of the CD Key, even
though there already exists a Product ID which is something different. One
step forward, two steps back.

Anyhow, that's the right number (I've got the same packaging here). Is this
an upgrade version by any chance? If so, have you already pointed it at a
previous version?

Just by the way, there are Mac-specific newsgroups which would have been
more appropriate for this question, though last time this came up we didn't
have anything more to say than that I think you will have to call and the
person never reported back with any more information. I have no idea whether
it's possible to argue them into not counting the call against your free
two.

See here for Google/Entourage gateway to Mac-specific MS newsgroups, which
will likely reduce the need for future calls:
http://www.microsoft.com/mac/community/community.aspx?pid=newsgroups


On 6/20/05 9:39 AM, "Carol R." wrote:

Thanks. There is no CD key, only a product key on the back of the CD box,
which is what the installation instructions tell me to look for. When I try
to install, the field where I type in the number specifically asks for the
Product Key. There are no 0s or Os, Ss or 5s, etc. None of the 25 characters
is ambiguous that way.

"Suzanne S. Barnhill" wrote:

It is unlikely that the "product key" is what you are supposed to be typing
in. What is usually required is the "CD key," which is found on a sticker on
the CD itself or inside the CD case (or on a Certificate of Authenticity if
this is an OEM version). If that's the one you're using, then make sure
you're reading the characters correctly; users frequently report confusing O
with 0, I with 1, S with 5, and so on (though recent software packages seem
to be using a more legible font for this).

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
Word MVP FAQ site: http://word.mvps.org
Email cannot be acknowledged; please post all follow-ups to the newsgroup so
all may benefit.

"Carol R." Carol wrote in message
...
I have a product key on the back of the CD box, but when I type it in and
try
to continue, I get a message asking me to verify the number. I did verify
the
number, but I keep getting the same message. Is there any quick fix? I
know I
can call Microsoft support, but it galls me to have to use one of my two
free
calls because of a product key they got wrong! Thanks.