Activating Office 2010 on a new laptop - exceeded max activations

It depends entirely on the type of 2010 license you have.

If you bought it factory installed , OEM, you can't transfer it.
If you bought a Product Key Card, PKC, you can't transfer it.
If you bought a "1-computer" online download, you can't transfer it.

If Office was only installed on that old laptop, the message you are getting does reflect one of the above license types.

If you had installed Office on 2 machines using that product key, or you have the big ugly yellow plastic box and CD, then you have a retail license, that does allow transfers. In that case you will have to do a phone activation. When you phone in, don't answer the initial prompts, they will give the same error. Wait until you are offered the option of talking to a live "service" rep. They will be able to enable the activation to complete.

Uninstall Office 2010 - http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/repair-or-remove-office-2010-HA010357402.aspx?CTT=1

 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929

NOTE: you can find links to the specific activation instruction for Office or Windows in hyperlinks at the bottom of the article

Do a phone activation. Do not enter anything, wait a LONG time, until the phone system offers you the option to talk to a live “service” rep. Explain the problem to them. You are transferring the installation from a “dead” computer, or you are getting an invalid product key and would like to know the exact reason

 

Microsoft Activation Centers Worldwide Telephone Numbers

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/activation-centers.aspx

 

Manually invoke Activation applet to get phone number

·        Click Start, or invoke Run dialog using <WIN > +< R>

·        in the Run Box type slui.exe 4   (you need to include the “4” to get to the right spot)

·        Select the appropriate location for an activation centre near you and call them. Except on weekends.

 

Activation and Registration info, phone numbers and links

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326851

Telephone activation might take longer than activation through the Internet. You should be at your computer when you call, and you should have your software Product Key available.

1.      In the Activation Wizard, select the country/region where you reside and where you plan to use the product .

2.      The wizard provides one or more telephone numbers appropriate for your selection. Use the number provided on your Activation Wizard screen to call the Microsoft Activation Center.

1.      Call the Activation Center .

3.      The customer service representative asks you for your installation ID (displayed on your screen) and other relevant information. After your installation ID is verified, you receive a confirmation ID.

1.      In the Activation Wizard, type the confirmation ID in the spaces provided at the bottom of the screen, and then press ENTER .

4.      Notes  

Telephone activation is not available for Trial and Subscription versions.

 

Use Activation Wizard to get the “Installation ID” required by Phone and Chat Help lines

do the activation method below:

·        Open Word application.

·        Click on the round Office button in the upper left corner of the screen.

·        Select "Word Options" at the bottom of the menu.

·        Select "Resources" from the left menu.

·        Click "Activate" on the right side

·        Select "I want to activate the software over the Internet" and click "Next". This will usually complete successfully and activate the software.

·        If you were unable to automatically activate over the Internet, you may select "I want to activate the software by telephone" and click "Next."

The Microsoft Activation Wizard will show you three steps:

Step 1:            Select your location

Step 2:            Installation ID (This will be required by the chat/phone support team from you for activation. Please provide it to them immediately)

Step 3:            Confirmation ID (This will be provided by the support to you that you need to enter from boxes A to H to proceed with the activation. You may click on Next after entering the ID to complete the activation.

 

Fixing Product Activation problems

http://news.office-watch.com/t/n.aspx?a=1382

If phone activation fails you can ask the same person for help though most likely it’s a mix-up with the activation code.

If you don’t get an activation code, Microsoft staff should explain why authorization can’t be given. If they can’t, then ask to speak to a supervisor. Try to find out exactly what the problem is and ask about further appeals process.

            

Resources to help you activate a license in Microsoft Office 2002-2007 programs

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/828958