Question are you a Student? If so there are other alternatives students may pursue. Have you investigated the alternatives? First there are computer labs @ schools and public libraries students may use. Next have you discussed alternative options with your Computer Deptartment's Instructor? I highly recommend taking this route because they may know of programs which assist students. Also you may purchase Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 @ a fraction of the cost directcly from Microsoft by visiting Hopefully this has provided you with more insight. Stephen Holm, MS WGA and OGA Forum Manager. Computer manufacturers often install a trial version of Microsoft Office. If you are getting a prompt to type in a Product Key when opening a Microsoft Office program, it s likely the trial period is over and you'll need to purchase a license (product key) for Microsoft Office. The product key affixed to your computer is for Windows Vista (the operating system) and not for Microsoft Office.