Raymond.CC Blog

I just got a new project to setup 2 computer labs. All they wanted me to do was configure the user accounts, make sure that all the computers can connect to the network and install a licensed copy of Microsoft Office on every PC. The job is very simple but time consuming because I had to go to every PC and install one by one. Another thing which I don’t like doing is to type in the 25 alphanumeric product key on every computer that needs Microsoft Office installed. It is slightly easier for me if I create a text file which contains the product key for me to copy and paste but the Office installer somehow jumps back to the first product key box whenever I bring another window on top of it.

I remembered many many years ago my friend borrowed me an Office 2000 installer which doesn’t require me to enter any product key. It totally skips the part where you have to enter the product key. So I thought maybe there’s a way to install Microsoft Office without supplying the CD key or if not, at least it can auto enter for me. Glad that Microsoft made it possible for network administrator’s convenience.


First you will need to copy all the files in the Office installer disc to your hard drive. Then edit the setup.ini file which is at Files\Setup folder and create a new value PIDKEY=YOURPRODUCTKEYHERE at Options. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it. The below guide is for Microsoft Office 2003.

1. Copy all the files from your Microsoft Office CD.

2. Go to \Files\Setup, right click on the Setup.ini file, select Properties and uncheck Read-only.

3. Open Setup.ini, locate [Options] and right at the bottom of the options, type PIDKEY=ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXY. Replace the ABCDE… with your genuine Office product key.

4. Save the setup.ini file and burn all the files to a new disc if you need to.

Now when you run Microsoft Office setup, you will still see the dialog window where it asks you to enter the product key but it has been magically auto inserted for you. No more memorizing the CD key, or any precious time typing it.

For Office XP, you won’t find the setup.ini file but instead, you should modify the setupstd.ini file. It’s also in Files\Setup folder.

For Office 2007, the file that you need to modify is different and the file structure is also not the same as Office XP or 2003. Look for a folder called Enterprise.WW or Standard.WW or Pro.WW in the Office 2007 installer. Edit the config.xml file, remove the comment out code for PIDKEY and enter the 25 digit Office 2007 CD Key WITHOUT dashes.

You can now install Office without entering any product key. A simple trick to make our tech life easier.