I looked it the folder you had listed but those files did not exist. After
doing a search for the files I found them located at:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users.WINDOWS\Application
Data\Microsoft\Office\Data

but changing them still did not clear up my validation problem, any other
ideas?

"CurtB" wrote:

> 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,
> > >