Can I install Microsoft Office 12 from my original CD? Or is it too old? If so what is the least expensive way to get Word and Excel?

Office 12 corresponds to Office 2007. It is no longer compatible with current versions of Windows such as Windows 10, and is specifically called out as not compatible.

On a modern Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, that original Office 12 CD is effectively too old to be used reliably. Office 2007 and earlier are not supported on Windows 10, so even if setup runs, it is not a supported configuration and may not work correctly.

For a supported way to get Word and Excel at the lowest cost on a modern PC:

1. Consider a Microsoft 365 subscription (for example, Microsoft 365 Personal) which gives current Word and Excel and can be tried via a free trial if eligible.
2. If only basic editing is needed and installing Office is not required or the PC does not meet system requirements, use the free browser-based versions via Office Online in a web browser.

Before purchasing or installing any newer Office version, verify that the PC meets the current Office system requirements.

References:

• Find your Office apps in Windows
• Troubleshoot installing Office
• How do I upgrade Office?