A trial Version of Microsoft Home Student Office came loaded on my computer and I used it to write a number of documents. I received reminders that time on the trial version was running out so I supplied the code that I was given when starting and followed the steps to make the program permanent. Evidently I didn´t follow them correctly because the permanent program was not installed but worst of all I can no longer open the documents I wrote using the trial version. I don´t care about having that program but I´d really like to be able to open those documents.

For now download and install the wonderfully free OpenOffice: OpenOffice.org - The Free and Open Productivity Suite (http://www.openoffice.org/)

Then call Microsoft for support with your product key.

Did you actually pay for the program? To activate a trial version, you have to pay for the license. If you don't that's probably why you've been locked out.

If you saved the documents in Word 2007's docx format, then I don't think Open Office will open them.

If you saved the documents in Word 2007's docx format, then I don't think Open Office will open them.Yes it will, it's awesome.

Features - OpenOffice.org Wiki (http://wiki.services.openoffice.org/wiki/Features#Planned_Features_for_3.0_Release_.28mid-October_2008.29)

Thanks for the update.

Ok this is a lot for me to digest. Thanks very much for the responses.

Ok so I download OpenOffice then how do I use it to open my file?

The program will associate itself with Word files. The Writer program will open the Word doc. Probably best to uninstall The MS Office suite first.

Ok so I download OpenOffice then how do I use it to open my file?

It will associate with Word files or you just select File>Open and select the file.

You never answered whether you paid to activate the trial.

Sorry Scott, to answer your question no I didn´t.

Well that explains why it didn't work.

Open Office however worked like a charm! Thanks everyone.