Office 2010 disks? And keys?

[techs]

I just noticed that a new Dell came with only the key for Office 2010 Home and Business which was pre loaded. Previous editions of Office on a Dell also came with the disks.

Is Microsoft doing the same thing with office they now do with Windows in that the same disk is used for different versions and the key determines which version is installed?

If not, I am going to have to find a copy of each type of office disk in 2010 versions.

 

[sivart]

A lot of new computers come preloaded with a trial and then you can purchase the key from a retailer (Amazon, etc). The copy of Office is then forever tied that machine. I would suspect the same for the Dell computer.

 

[corkyg]

Not at all unusual as everyone tries to enhance the bottom line. All these things really make a TechNet subscription more valuable.

 

[techs]

This is new. Purchased a Dell with Office Home and Business 2010. It didn't come preloaded. There are no office disks. I just have a key.

Ok, so how do I get it installed????

EDIT: Went into Program Files folder and it was there.
No shortcut, no nothing to indicate it was there. Even called Dell. First guy said there was no such thing as Office 2010 the second said he would transfer me. Then hung up on me.

 

[MrChad]

Call Dell?

 

[techs]

Call Dell?

"Even called Dell. First guy said there was no such thing as Office 2010 the second said he would transfer me. Then hung up on me."

 

[Nocturnal]

So was it installed or was the thing you found the actual link to the installer itself? I'd see if you could copy off the installer. Otherwise bug Dell and they should be able to send you a disk.

 

[nipplefish]

From what I've learned about their new system:

New PCs come with the trial which can be activated for one machine with the key.

Retail DVDs (of any version) can be installed on two computers.

You can also buy the product keycard at retail, which will activate a trial version.