office 03 key fail

Dear Geeks!

My legit copy of office 2003 will not longer recognize the key. I still have all the documentation. I'm trying to load the program into my reconditioned laptop. I know the key is good. I paid a lot of money for this software, and although open office is free and works, it doesn't work the same, and the transition is quite difficult for an old geezer like me. Anyone have any idea how to get it working?
Thanks in advance for your kind attention.

Lenovo, xp pro sp3, avast,

 

What is the exact message you are getting?

And when do you get it - during the install, or during activation?

Have you installed (and activated) the software on another computer previously?

 

But, if that other computer is a desktop system, he should still be able to install it on a laptop since the software license agreement allows installing it on one desktop computer and one mobile computer.

 

I'm sure it applies to all versions except Home and Student, and Student and Teacher. For any of the regular business-oriented versions (Standard, Small Business, Professional), the license agreement will usually say:

b. Licensed Device. You may only use one copy of the software on the licensed device at a
time.
c. Portable Device. You may install another copy of the software on a portable device for use
by the single primary user of the licensed device.

The license agreement for any version can be obtained at http://www.microsoft.com/About/Legal/EN/US/IntellectualProperty/UseTerms/Default.aspx

 

thanks folks, for the response. I purchased the copy of office 2003 (disk w\key) separate from my old laptop. That machine has failed. I use the hard drive as an external hd now, but office was removed from it. I've loaded the program a couple of times on that computer during re-installations in the past. Now I'm trying to load it into my recon lenovo. During the install procedure I enter the key into the row of fields and a small dialogue box informs me that my key is incorrect. The install doesn't work on-line or off.

thank you very much for your help.