Can I use an older version of Microsoft office on my new HP?

Question

I'm not the most computer literate person and nobody seems to be able to give me a straight answer, so any advice would be helpful!  When I went to purchase my new HP laptop, the salesman told me I had no choice but to buy the newest version of Microsoft Office (or Word) because it's the only version of Microsoft Office that will work with my HP's Vista system.  Is this true?  I have a friend with Microsoft Office 2002, and I'm wondering if that'll work just fine.  I don't need a fancy word processor--I just need something basic that can crank out term papers.  Any help from people who (obviously) know more than me would be great!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

From what I've read, Word 2003 works with Vista, but Word 2002 will give you unpredictable results.  If I were you, I'd  download OpenOffice which is Word compatible and will give you the functionality you need.

-MM

angelj16tx · Answer

I have a Windows Vista PC, and I installed (and used) Office XP with no problem. At present I am using Office 2007 which I do like a lot.

The salesman is just trying to make you buy some software from him.

Daniel O · Answer

Office 2002 will work on Vista. Not really sure what the sales guy was talking about other than the fact that he just wanted to pad his commission.

tamrn02 · Answer

I used my 2003 version on my new Windows Vista computer and it works fine.  The "KEY" however, only works on three computers with Office, so if it doesn't work your friend might have already exhausted the number of installs.

? · Answer

You are out of luck, as you are unlikely to get another product key for Office, if you have the original invoice, you may be able to contact Microsoft and explain the HP screw up, they may be able to issue anoother, but if its for Office 2003, then I doubt they would do anything expect to offer you a discounted version of 2007 (they are pushing Vista and Office 2007 so hard that makes everything think there are only 2 products on the planet) yes, HP are crap, I would never buy any of that junk

Anonymous · Answer

YES, older versions can work on vista. even Microsoft themselves say so.

Here look at this>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932087

Often times salesmen try to get you to buy crap. It's happened to me before, but luckily i knew what i was doing. best that you do a little research before asking the people at big outlets. But, sometimes they might just not know or don't want to look stupid.

Also, you don't have to use a word program like Microsoft word. check out google docs, no download, it's all online.
https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=writely&passive=true&nui=1&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F&followup=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F<mpl=homepage&rm=false

Anonymous · Answer

You can install older MS Office. But if you opt something better download OpenOffice from the following link. I'm pretty sure that it will supports all your needs

http://download.openoffice.org/

Jannie S · Answer

There are some security issues with using older versions, the newer the better,
just installing an older version of Word should be no problem.

Here's some info about the older office security:
http://www.cnet.com.au/software/security/0,239029558,339284911,00.htm

Good luck!

marz · Answer

yes

stuntkid600 · Answer

yes.  as long as you download it correctly onto your new HP.

Can I use an older version of Microsoft office on my new HP?

10 Answers