Note: I didn't notice until after I replied that the original post was months
ago prior to Vista. Still, if anyone is having a similar problem now, the
fix is still applicable.

"CurtB" wrote:

> The same thing happened to me. I suspect it is an inconsistency with Windows
> Vista and XP. Some of the ActiveX controls downloaded by the Genuine
> Advantage process on the first day I noticed the problem had names that
> suggest they are for Vista.
>
> Here is what I did to fix it.
>
> 1. Open the following folder:
>
> C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Office\Data\
>
> 2. Locate the data.dat and data.bak files
>
> 3. Right click to rename the files to something different.
>
> 4. Insert your original Microsoft Office CD and launch an application, e.g.
> Word or Excel.
>
> This will reactivate your applications.
>
> If you don't have the CDs, you may reactivate by contacting the Microsoft
> Activation Center. The Office Activation Center can be reached at (888)
> 652-2342 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Pacific Time. The activation process is
> free of charge.
>
> A friend of mine with a similar computer as mine had the very same
> validation failed situation. I suspect there may be a lot of people who will
> have this issue.
>
> Please post back.
> Curt
>
> "LPD" wrote:
>
> > I have had my office xp for years and it was activated when it was new. Now
> > when I tried to validate my office xp, it failed. Doesn't it HAVE to be
> > genuine Microsoft if it has been activated? How would I have activated it if
> > it's not valid?
> > Thanks,
> >