Activate problem in Excel.

Question

When I log in to Excel and open a file it is written " The most functions in Excel has been deactivated, because the product isn´t activated". I then push the "Activate" bottom and log on once again. But the same problem remains. What to do???

Answer 1

Hi Carl Jensen_21,

Please don't be too worried.

Based on previous user's report, it's not able to solve it simply by uninstall and reinstall. I think it may be because of the newly installed Office is still newer version and the problem resides in the program, but somehow it only manifests on some user.

However, you can also try manually uninstalling Office, then download a previous version's image and see if it works.

Actually, the method is from a German thread, many people found it useful. (That ThomasLST is not me)

Best Regards,

Thomas.L - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Hi Thomas

Thanks for your answer.

I am not a computer expert, so I think it is a little risky for me to start a command in CDM. I have no experience in doing it.

Could the problem be solved if I uninstall Office and reinstall it again?

Best regards

Carl

Answer 3

Hi Carl Jensen_21,

Welcome to Microsoft Community. The problem you met seems like to what our users encountered recently. If that's the case, it's recommended to revert Office version.

You can do it by run the following command in CMD with privileged rights (need to exit all Office software first).

"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft shared\ClickToRun\officec2rclient.exe"/update user updatetoversion=16.0.17531.20120

Typically, a OfficeSetup window will pop up and running. The process is lengthy, please wait patiently before it complete.

Best Regards,

Thomas.L - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist