Office 97 Installation

I've got a Dell Computer with Win98 OS on it. I had to
reformat my HD and now am going back in to reinstall
everything my kids need on it. One thing they use a lot
is Word for their school reports and other homework
activities. I purchased my Dell in 1999 and it came with
Microsoft Office 97 Small Business Edition. When I go to
reinstall it I'm prompted to "enter the 20-Digit Product
ID which is located on the Certificate of Authenticity."
I haven't had a need for this since early 1999 and now
can't find it at all. I'm prompted to enter (5 digits)-OEM-
(7 digits)-(5 digits). Office97 was perfect for what we
need and I'd rather not go out and spend the additional $
for a newer version. Is there someway to get past this
and install the software or am I just out of luck and need
to go and repurchase a newer version?

There is no way around it. You need the Product ID to install the product.


"Chris" wrote in message
...
I've got a Dell Computer with Win98 OS on it. I had to
reformat my HD and now am going back in to reinstall
everything my kids need on it. One thing they use a lot
is Word for their school reports and other homework
activities. I purchased my Dell in 1999 and it came with
Microsoft Office 97 Small Business Edition. When I go to
reinstall it I'm prompted to "enter the 20-Digit Product
ID which is located on the Certificate of Authenticity."
I haven't had a need for this since early 1999 and now
can't find it at all. I'm prompted to enter (5 digits)-OEM-
(7 digits)-(5 digits). Office97 was perfect for what we
need and I'd rather not go out and spend the additional $
for a newer version. Is there someway to get past this
and install the software or am I just out of luck and need
to go and repurchase a newer version?