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Microsoft Office Quick Reference

Microsoft Office Quick Reference

What do I get when I purchase an Office license?

You get the right to load and use that software on as many computers for which you've purchased licenses.

How can I get printed documentation?

Departments can purchase documentation from NUIT's software distribution partner.

What should I do if my computer does not meet system requirements for the most current version of Office?

You may order the most current license, but use the downgrade option and install the previous version.

If I purchase Office 2007 Standard through NU's Select program and use the downgrade option to install Office 2003 Standard, do I have to purchase another license to upgrade back to Office 2007 Standard?

No, you do not. You are technically licensed for Office 2007 Standard. If your license purchase was made through the NUIT Site License Web ordering program, you need to provide your prior proof of purchase or the order number for Office 2007 Standard to questions@software.northwestern.edu for verification, and request to borrow the CD for Office 2007. Please note that to avoid licensing violations, you'll need to uninstall Office 2003.

Also, please note that if you purchased a license for Office 2007 through SHI, it is recommended that you also purchase the Office 2007 Standard CD to be able to install/reinstall the software.

What if I want to keep both versions of Office on my computer?

You will need to purchase a second license.

If I purchase Office 2007 Standard, can I load Word on one computer, Excel on a second, and PowerPoint on a third?

No, suites cannot be separated.

Can I purchase an Office 2007 Standard license and purchase an Office 2007 Professional Plus CD?

No, they are different suites and cannot be interchanged.

What is the difference between Office 2007 Standard and Office 2007 Professional Plus?

The Standard edition contains Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The Professional Plus edition contains these standard programs with the addition of Access, Publisher, Infopath, and Communicator.

My old computer is being replaced with a new one. Can I keep my software?

Yes, provided it is uninstalled from your old computer. If your license purchase was made through the NUIT Site License web ordering program, please provide your prior proof of purchase or the order number to questions@software.northwestern.edu for verification and request to borrow the CD or request your NetID to be activated. If your department maintains license and computer asset records, you should notify the responsible person that the software has been transferred.

Also, please note that if your license purchase was made though NUIT's software distribution partner and if you purchased the corresponding software CD, you can use the CD to reinstall the software onto the new computer once you've uninstalled the software from the old computer.

I've purchased an Office license and installed it on my computer by either borrowing the CD or installing from the network server. I've now decided that I want to have my own CD. Will you keep track that I licensed it in the past and allow me to purchase the CD?

We will have a record that you purchased a license; however, purchasing the media is a separate action altogether. Keep in mind that the license is your right to copy and use the software - the media is simply a convenient method for installation. Having the media alone does not give you the right to install, copy and use the software stored on the media - only a license gives you that right. In practical terms, neither NUIT nor NUIT's software distribution partner will cross-reference licensing records when you want to purchase media.

Can I load Office 2007 on a server and let everyone in the department use it?

No, the licenses are issued per device (per seat) and need to be installed as such.

Do I need to get Office updates?

Yes. Office updates keep your Office products up-to-date and provide the highest levels of security, stability, and critical functionality available. Office updates are available for Office 2003, Office XP, and Office 2000, and are available for no cost through the Microsoft Office Update Web site.

Where can I obtain Office Service Packs?

Office Service Packs are now available for a small fee on CD-ROM from Microsoft. For more information, visit the Microsoft Web site.

Will I need access to the software installation files on the CD or NUIT's Software Repository Server (Chocolate) in order to install the updates?

Most patches for Microsoft Office will not ask users for software installation files. However, the latest security update for Office XP will. Should you need to access to the software installation files, you will need to follow one of the three installation options below to gain access to these files.

Note: If you have local support, contact them before applying these patches.

Users will need to send a request to questions@software.northwestern.edu with your order number for Office and the NetID you want activated so we can verify your license. Once verified, the NetID will be activated for the specific Office package and a notice of activation will be sent, or you will be notified that you may pick up the media. When the notice is received, you will have six (6) days to apply the updates.

Please note that this does not apply to software installation CDs that you may have purchased from NUIT's software distribution partner.

Once I have access to the software installation files, how do I install the updates?

You have three options for installation. (Option 1 is easier than option 2, but may not work at all locations.)

Chocolate install (Option1)

  1. Select Start -> Run.
  2. Type \\chocolate.tss.northwestern.edu.
  3. Connect as northwestern\netid and use your NetID password for the password.
  4. Apply the patches and, when prompted for the pro.msi or std.msi, point the path to the installed Office package that is appropriate from the list below:
  • Office XP Pro - \\chocolate.tss.northwestern.edu\offxp_pro
  • Office XP Std - \\chocolate.tss.northwestern.edu\offxp_std

 

Chocolate install (Option 2)

Log onto chocolate. The best way to go about this is to -

  1. Right-click on My Network Places and select Map network drive.
  2. In the Folder field, type the path to the installed Office package that is appropriate from the list below:
    • Office XP Pro - \\chocolate.tss.northwestern.edu\offxp_pro
    • Office XP Std - \\chocolate.tss.northwestern.edu\offxp_std
  3. Uncheck Reconnect at logon.
  4. Click on Connect using a different user name.
  5. Connect as northwestern\netid and use your NetID password.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Click Finish.

Install the updates:

  1. When prompted for the pro.msi or std.msi files, point the path to the appropriate directory (the one to which you mapped the drive).

Borrow the Media (Option 3)

  1. When you receive the CD from DSS, insert it into your CD-ROM drive.
  2. Install the updates. When prompted for the pro.msi or std.msi files, point the path to your CD-ROM's drive letter.

Does Software House International (SHI) have a return policy?

Yes, SHI has a 30-day return policy.

What should I do if I have further licensing questions?

You may send your inquiries to questions@software.northwestern.edu.

Last Updated: 10 July 2008

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