- 1). Insert the CD or DVD for the Microsoft program to install. Make sure you have the CD key -- located on the product packaging -- handy. The installation routing will start.
- 2). Click the "Install" button to start the installation. A welcome message appears along with a description of the program to be installed.
- 3). Click "Next." A page with several input boxes for the CD key will display.
- 4). Type the CD key into the input boxes and click "Next." If the CD key is correct and valid, the program will start the installation. Answer any prompts and click each "Next" button. The software installs to the computer. At the end of the installation, you will be asked if you would like to validate the software using the Microsoft Validation process, online or via the telephone. To validate on the phone, you will write down the 800 number to call. To validate online, you must be connected to the Internet.
- 5). Select the radio button in front of the phone or Internet option to validate the software and click "Next." If you selected to activate by Internet, the process is seamless and automated. You will quickly see a notification that you have successfully validated your product. If activation is not possible for some reason, the program will show a notification of the reason why, such as the server is unreachable or the validation key is not valid. If you selected to validate by phone, a page is displayed with an 800 number and a validation key that you will use for telephone activation.
- 6). Call the automated 800 number displayed on the page and type in the validation key using your phone keypad at the prompts. An activation key is provided that you will enter into the "Activation Key" field on the page. Enter the Activation key and press the "Next" button. A notification appears that you have successfully validated your program.
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