How to Fix Unlicensed Product Error in MS Outlook 2016, 2019, and Microsoft Office 365
Key Notes
- Resetting the activation timer can help resolve licensing issues.
- Deleting corrupted license data may be necessary if issues persist.
- Repairing Office can fix underlying issues related to activation.
Unlocking Your Outlook: Solutions for the “Unlicensed Product” Error
Encountering the “Unlicensed Product” error in MS Outlook can be frustrating, especially when it hampers your productivity. In this guide, we will provide straightforward solutions to resolve this issue, allowing you to regain full access to all Microsoft Office features.
Step-by-Step Solutions
Step 1: Reset the Activation Timer for Office
To troubleshoot the “Unlicensed Product” error, resetting the activation timer for your Office suite might be beneficial.
Step 1: Begin by closing all active Office applications.
Step 2: Open the File Explorer by pressing Win + E.
Step 3: Click on “ This PC ” and navigate to “ Local Disk (C:) ”.
Step 4: Locate and open the “ Microsoft Office ” folder.
Step 5: In the search box within the folder, type “ ospprearm.exe ” to find the executable file.
Step 6: Right-click on this file and select “ Run as administrator ”.Once executed, restart your computer to apply changes.
Step 2: Remove Corrupted License Data
If resetting the activation timer doesn’t resolve the issue, the corrupted license data might need to be cleared.
STAGE 1
Step 1: Open the command prompt: search for “ cmd ” in the start menu.
Step 2: Right-click on “ Command Prompt ” and select “ Run as administrator ”.
Enter the following command to navigate to the office installation directory:
cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16
Then check the activation status:
cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus
This command will reveal the expiration date of your product key and its last five characters. Make a note of those five characters for later use.
Step 4: Uninstall the current product key with this command, substituting your noted key:
cscript ospp.vbs /unpkey:"input the key here"
For example:
cscript ospp.vbs /unpkey:WFG99
After running the command, you will see a confirmation that the product key has been uninstalled successfully.
STAGE 2
Warning: Ensure to back up your registry before making changes.
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor by typing “ registry ” in the start menu.
Step 2: Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office.0\Common\Identity\Identities
Step 3: Delete the subfolder and any associated IDs under “ Identities ”.
STAGE 3
Step 1: Access the Credential Manager by searching for “ credential ” in the start menu.
Step 2: Choose “ Windows Credentials ” and remove any entries associated with Microsoft Office.
After clearing these stages, restart your computer.
Step 3: Repair Microsoft Office
Running a repair on Microsoft Office can help resolve underlying corruption issues affecting its operation.
Step 1: Launch the Windows search and type “ appwiz.cpl ” and press Enter.
Step 2: Locate “ Microsoft Office ” in the list of installed programs.
Step 3: Right-click on it and select “ Change ”.
Step 4: Choose “ Quick Repair ” and click “ Repair ”.
This process will address file corruption issues, including activation errors.
Step 4: Remove Any Old Versions of Office
Conflicting Office installations can cause activation issues. Follow these steps to uninstall old versions.
Step 1: Open the Settings app and navigate to “ Apps ”.
Step 2: In the “ Installed apps ” section, search for “ Microsoft ”.
Step 3: Identify any old versions of Microsoft Office and click the “ ⋮ ” next to the version you wish to uninstall and select “ Uninstall ”.
Once uninstalled, restart your computer to complete the process and check for the “Unlicensed Product” error.
Additional Advice
- Create regular backups of important data to ensure it’s safe during troubleshooting.
- Ensure your Microsoft Office is updated to the latest version for improved stability.
- Check your internet connection if activation issues persist, as a stable connection is often required.
Summary
Resolving the “Unlicensed Product” issue in MS Outlook involves several steps, from resetting activation timers to repairing the Office installation. Ensuring that the correct licenses are in place and removing any corrupt data can effectively restore functionality to your Office suite.
Conclusion
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix the “Unlicensed Product” error in MS Outlook. Taking proactive measures, such as regular maintenance and updates, can help you avoid future issues with Office activation.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What causes the “Unlicensed Product” error in MS Outlook?
The “Unlicensed Product” error can be caused by an expired Office product key, corrupted license data, or multiple installations of Office conflicting with each other.
How can I permanently fix the Unlicensed Product issue?
To permanently fix the issue, ensure that you are using a valid and currently active product key, and follow the steps outlined in this guide to clear corrupted data.
Where can I find my Microsoft Office product key?
Your Microsoft Office product key can usually be found on a card inside the product’s packaging, confirmation email from your purchase, or within your Microsoft account if you purchased it online.