Microsoft Office 2011 needs key after full Time Machine Restore

A full Time Machine restore to a new SSD I installed was successful EXCEPT for the loss of use of Microsoft Office 2011. Upon opening an Excel or Word file I am presented with a request to enter the key or browse my files read-only.

I move across the globe and did NOT take my Microsoft Office 2011 disk with me (dumb).

It was my belief that a full restore meant jus that, a full restore.

I could repeat the 4 1/2 hour process, but,

Is there another solution besides that and/or calling Microsoft, or purchasing a new license?

The closest category I could find for this post is Installation, Migration & Setup...

Thank You,

Peter

MacBook Air, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5), null

Posted on Sep 23, 2015 5:34 PM

23 replies

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Sep 23, 2015 5:37 PM in response to Peter Bouvier

The key you entered was not saved in the application file. It is actually stored in the /Library/Preferences/ folder. Look for it there in Time Machine.

Sep 23, 2015 7:56 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks for your reply Kappy. I'll check it on my Time Machine.

But I would expect that whatever is in /Library/Preferences would have been completely restored.

Sep 24, 2015 8:39 AM in response to Peter Bouvier

Why not just call Microsoft? They have an automated painless system for handling cases such as this. It will take you two minutes. And you will not need to buy a new license.

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Sep 24, 2015 8:45 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Oct 5, 2015 9:01 PM in response to Peter Bouvier

Try this

1-866-825-4797

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Oct 6, 2015 11:33 AM in response to Kurt Lang

The Product Activation Key is its name, and it came with the documentation for your copy of Office. Get back on the phone and work forward until you get a human, then ask them what to do next.

Nov 22, 2016 9:17 PM in response to Peter Bouvier

Hi! I want restore for office 2011

Kurt Lang

Level 9

68,700 points

Nov 23, 2016 6:47 AM in response to dung van hoang

Get your Office 2011 DVD and install it. If you've lost your disk, or it's damaged, MS has a web site where you can download a full Office 2011 installer, but you must first enter your product key.

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Microsoft Office 2011 needs key after full Time Machine Restore