Cheapest way to obtain legitimate MS Office license?

[FixedGear]

Re-imaged my home laptop only to realize the MS Office at home activation key from my previous institution no longer works. My current employer has the same program to get at home license for $10, yet somehow even though I have fully functional MS Office on both my work desktop and work laptop, I still need to buy a separate personal license ($421 USD) to get the $10 at home license. :banghead:

anyone know the cheapest way to get a working license for MS Office? O already have MS Office Professional Plus 2013 installed, would be easiest to just get a license for that. Might be open to alternative free options that would work with my existing installation, too.

[speedog]

Not sure if you would consider it but I moved to FreeOffice a few years ago and have been quite happy with it. We do have MS Office on anther computer in our home but it doesn't seem to offer enough extra to put MS Office on the computer I use even though I could put it on for free.

[The_Penguin]

For cheap, have a look on Reddit. /r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

[01RedDX]

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[FixedGear]

Originally posted by speedog
Not sure if you would consider it but I moved to FreeOffice a few years ago and have been quite happy with it. We do have MS Office on anther computer in our home but it doesn't seem to offer enough extra to put MS Office on the computer I use even though I could put it on for free.

Not an option, I collaborate with dozens and dozens of coauthors so the MS track changes feature in Word is essential. Otherwise, I'd be using LaTeX. And yea, otherwise a huge proponent of free/open.

[FixedGear]

Originally posted by 01RedDX
Sounds like your current windows admins only have a limited license. I can log in on any device and download/install. Maybe check again with the IT dept?

I'm, not sure what license they have, I have Office on my machines, just don't have the license in my ESD license manager.

[FixedGear]

Originally posted by The_Penguin
For cheap, have a look on Reddit. /r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

Looks perfect, thanks man :thumbsup:

[carson blocks]

Keep in mind the keys on /r/microsoftsoftware swap aren't exactly legal if that bothers you. They're mostly from MSDN subscriptions, and the seller is breaking their agreement by selling MSDN keys. From what I hear, most of the keys will activate, but occasionally MS will deactivate the 'pirated' keys for certain products.

m not taking a stand on piracy or anything, but just wanted to point out you're paying for working warez essentially, not a legit copy.

[eblend]

Have you looked at office 365 at all? Maybe something to look into. The home version gives you an install on 5PCs, or can go pro for 1 pc install I think. It isn't the cheapest in the long run, but up front you just pay less then $8 a month.

[The_Penguin]

Originally posted by eblend
Have you looked at office 365 at all? Maybe something to look into. The home version gives you an install on 5PCs, or can go pro for 1 pc install I think. It isn't the cheapest in the long run, but up front you just pay less then $8 a month.

I forgot to mention that. As much as I dislike subscription-based software, that's a pretty good deal. Especially for multiple family members. Also gives you a big chunk 'o storage with OneDrive (1 TB per user when I signed up)

[yellowsnow]

oops nevermind... didn't read your post lol

[msommers]

Man that is frustrating. I just checked UofA's software packaging and Office 365 is free to students lol.

Adobe screwed us over at the beginning of the month. $14/yr to $26/month!

[revelations]

I've used 3rd party resellers like softwareking before .... no issues to date.

Check KIJIJI and ebay, sometimes these will turn up there too.