Activation Issue

Question

I recently did Microsoft updates on a machine and after the updates, Microsoft Office is showing to be unlicensed and I am unable to activate. I tried to use CD C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16 and then cscript ospp.vbs /act and got the error code: 0xC0020036 Error Description: Run the following: cscript ospp.vbs /ddescr:0xC0020036. I have tried running Word as Admin with no look as well.

Answer 1

1. First try to repair your installation - First try Quick Repair (takes 5 - 10 mins) , if that doesn't help then try Online Repair (Takes more than 30 mins but less than 1 hour in general)

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Repair...

2. You may have 2 MS Offices installed on your system

A. Run FIX IT tool to remove previous version - https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Uninst...

B. Perform Online Repair of new Office. Takes more than 30 mins but less than 1 hour in general)

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Repair...

3. Try Activation Troubleshooter and other troubleshooting steps

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Unlice...

4. Try to activate through telephone

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/-Telep...

5. Talk to support

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13948/... (Click on the starting alphabet of country name. Hence for US, click U)

6. You may try chatting with MS Support to resolve this issue

https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/...

7. Alternatively, you may also e mail to MS Support for account help

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12401/...

Answer 2

Have you tried contacting support to help get it reactivated?

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus/

I would also try performing a repair install:

Open Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features

Scroll down to Microsoft Office

Select it

Click Change

Now, wait while the repair wizard starts up.

Choose the type of repair you would like to perform. Depending on the severity or availability of your Internet connection, you could try the first option, Quick Repair, which is much faster and tries to fix the problem without a data connection.

If that doesn’t resolve the problem, then go back and try the Online Repair option. For my particular issue, I ultimately had to use the Online Repair.

The repair process is straight-forward following the wizard. Note that you’ll need to save your work and close all Office programs first, and then click Repair.

Then wait while the repair process runs.

You will notice the repair experience is similar to a fresh installation. The amount of time it takes will depend on your connection speed and what the issue is.

You will see your Office apps light up in their respective colors while the repair completes.

Once the installation is complete, restart your computer just to be sure and launch your apps and verify if the problem you were having is resolved.