Office shows this code when the activation server rejects the key you entered. It plays the same role in Office as 0xC004C003 does in Windows.
Why it happens
- The key does not match the installed edition. A Professional Plus key will not activate an installation of Home & Student, and the other way round.
- Part of an older Office is still on the PC. Even when it looks uninstalled, leftovers can take over the activation.
- The key has been blocked by the activation service.
How to fix it
1. Check which edition is installed
Open Word and go to File > Account. The exact edition is listed there. It must match the edition of your key.
2. Remove leftovers from earlier installations
Uninstall any previous version from Settings > Apps > Installed apps. If you tried Microsoft 365, uninstall that too: it does not coexist well with a perpetual license. Restart the computer afterwards.
3. Reinstall with the installer from your order
Use the installer from your delivery email or the Download button on the product page, not one saved from an earlier attempt. Enter the key when the program asks for it, not afterwards.
If none of this works
Then the key may be blocked, and no local setting will fix it. Write to us from our contact page with this code and the edition shown under File > Account. A key that does not activate is covered by our Lifetime activation guarantee, and support is available 24/7.
