Office activation key partly scratched off

Question

Place that I bought it from can't help. What do I do?

Answer 1

If the Office product key is damaged and the seller cannot help, the only supported option is to work with Microsoft Support, but assistance requires valid proof of purchase.

For a partially scratched or unreadable key:

1. Locate any proof of purchase (receipt, invoice, confirmation email, or Certificate of Authenticity).
2. Go to Microsoft Support and open a support request explaining that the key is damaged and that the seller cannot replace it.
3. Be prepared to provide proof of purchase and any visible characters from the key or packaging.

If the key cannot be recovered or validated, a new license will be required. When buying another key, avoid product keys sold separately from the software, as many are stolen or fraudulently obtained and may later be blocked.

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References:

• Find your product key for Office 2007
• Where to enter your Office product key
• Using product keys with Microsoft 365