Member Avatar for sklingb1

I had a failure in my Office 2003. I cannot go into repair it and I cannot remove it. I went through the office removal tool and it didn't work. I still have all my icons and I can still get into the programs but I get errors. I want to install a clean version of the software but it won't let me. I keep getting and "installation source not available" error. I retrieved my product key and put in the CD and tried to reinstall it and it doesn't like my product key. Is there any way I can fix this?

Thanks

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Brief expert summary and practical options (expands on replies from , and ).

Start with safe prep: create a full system backup and export any Outlook PSTs, Normal.dot / templates, and custom toolbars. Create a System Restore point and an offline copy of any product-key information before making changes.

Try a targeted uninstall first — Revo Uninstaller is a reliable next step (it does a regular uninstall, then scans for leftover files/registry and offers a Forced/Advanced uninstall when the built-in uninstaller is broken). Run Revo as Administrator, let it create a restore point, use the Forced/Advanced mode if Office does not appear normally, choose the Moderate/Advanced scan level, review items carefully before deletion, reboot and then attempt a clean install. (revouninstaller.com)

If Revo doesn’t clear the Windows Installer registration, run Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter (the supported replacement for the retired Windows Installer Cleanup utility) and the Office “Fix it” removal for suites if available; these tools repair corrupted installer data and can remove suites that cannot be removed through Control Panel. Use those automated steps before considering an OS reinstall. (support.microsoft.com)

Manual fallback for stubborn MSI entries: identify the MSI product GUID and uninstall with msiexec from an elevated command prompt. Example commands:

wmic product get name,identifyingnumber
msiexec /x {PRODUCT-CODE-GUID}

(msiexec supports using a product code to uninstall or repair.) If the GUID isn’t visible with WMIC on modern systems, use PowerShell Get-CimInstance equivalents. (learn.microsoft.com)

Notes on activation/key problems and support status: Office 2003 reached end-of-support in 2014, so official help is limited; “invalid key” errors can come from using the wrong edition (OEM vs retail vs upgrade), a blocked/overused key, or lingering broken installer state — phone activation or vendor validation may help but may not be available for EOL product. If the license cannot be validated and the reseller is unavailable, buying a supported Office or Microsoft 365 license is the practical long-term option. (learn.microsoft.com)

If none of the above removes the corrupted installer state, a full OS reinstall is a last resort only after secure backups — it guarantees a clean slate but is disruptive (as noted).

Member Avatar for jstnmarsh

Just to clarify, have you been able to uninstall Office files from your PC and also that the key of the Office is not working? I wasn't sure about this so just thought about asking this to you. If this is the case then I would suggest you to have the best try contacting the dealer from where you purchased Office. Otherwise try some other applications to uninstall Office and then try installing it again.

Member Avatar for sklingb1

I have tried just about everything. I went into the registry to get the product key before I started any of this. I went through the steps found online to remove it but I can't get all of it removed. The programs are still there because I can open them and I just get errors once the program is actually open. I tried to actually remove from add/remove. I tried to just delete the folder from the program files. I have used the microsoft tools to remove, all with no luck. I put in the install cd/dvd to try to repair or uninstall and when it asks for my product key, it tells me it's the wrong key. Not sure what to do. Looks like microsoft is forcing me to upgrade to 2007 if I want to use any of the office products. Not happy about that.

My reseller is out of business.

Member Avatar for characteredu

Try to reinstall the operating system.

Member Avatar for Neitz

Try Revo uninstaller...works for me

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