Stop Word from Requiring Installation Disk

  • Thread starter Thread starter Piper
  • Start date Start date
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Piper

Bought a used laptop, with Office XP installed, at a flea market.

When I run Word (or any other Office program including Shortcut Bar) it
first performs a useless 'preparing to install' routine in which it asks
me to insert the installation disk (which I do not have), then, after an
'error 1706', it runs normally.

How do I make the program stop asking for the disk or 'preparing to
install' (since it is obviously already installed)?

I already tried a recommended fix that involves downloading a file from
Microsoft (the name of which I do not remember).

Thanks.
 
Stefan said:
The installation may be damaged, which is why it is asking for the
installation disk. Assuming that you have a product key, and a fairly
recent version of Office, you can download a backup installation file
from
http://products.office.com/en-us/download-back-up-restore-microsoft-office-products.


If you don't have a product key, try repairing the installation from
Control Panel (by starting setup).
Click to expand...

As I originally wrote, I bought the laptop at a flea market. I do NOT
have a product key.

The installation is NOT damaged, at least, not in any way that impairs
the performance of the programs. I can open and create files to my
heart's content.

All I want the programs to do is stop asking for the installation disk.

This only and nothing else.

Come on, now. Am I really asking for the impossible?
 
Buying software at a flea market is risky, of course, since it's hard to
tell what you actually get (you don't even know if it is a legal
installation). You do need a valid product key with Office, and with most
other programs, for that matter. To retrieve the product key, try
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/.
 
Stefan said:
Buying software at a flea market is risky, of course, since it's hard to
tell what you actually get (you don't even know if it is a legal
installation). You do need a valid product key with Office, and with
most other programs, for that matter. To retrieve the product key, try
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/.
Click to expand...


I have a product key. I don't have a disk.

If I were a friend instead of a stranger, you might suggest "Try
disabling the Windows Installer service."

"And in the unlikely event disabling the service causes a problem, you
can always enable it again."

And in response I would say, "Thank you, friend! Problem solved!"
 
I'm glad you got it sorted, but I'm a bit confused. In an earlier reply
(October 29, 2.03 a.m., GMT+1) you stated that you didn't know the product
key, which is why I suggested trying the Magic Jelly Bean product.
 
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