Wednesday 27 December 2017

Microsoft Office Activation with Product Key

I recalling a post I made earlier, regarding Microsoft Office registration via email. It is true at some point, but unfortunately, it doesn't stop there. Somehow, email verification isn't working correctly. And at some point, Microsoft stills wants you to call and talk to the machine or a person to verify that you bought a licensed Microsoft product. 

This happened to me just yesterday. I remember registering the Microsoft Office on a new Dell desktop sometime in October 2017. The Microsoft Office comes in a small box without CD. Its instruction asks you to setup an email to link with the product key given inside the box. From the newly registered email, a Microsoft Office link is to be downloaded with the encrypted product key. Once installed, the email will act as a sign in account to verify and activate the licensed product. Which I did it.

Yesterday, I got called up by the customer, came over and surprised to find that the Microsoft Office product is showing Unverified License! I keyed in the email registered to the product key, it didn't work. No choice, I had to call Microsoft to get the Installation ID. Somehow, not all the customer service number works for me. This number is the only one I manage to get thru 1800-80-1432.

Anyway, after pressing some numbers and following the instructions, They placed me on hold for 7 minutes then the line got cut off. I had to redial and go thru the same process again. Lucky this time a customer service officer pick up the line. And manage to re-ACTIVATE the Microsoft Office product.

It appears that, even with email activation, a proper phone activation is still required now. Not as before when email activation was not implemented, only an online activation is required.

I guess its a safer way for Microsoft to keep track and protect its software usage from pirated? Nevertheless, I still prefer a simpler way of activation than to call. What are your thoughts?

Wednesday 6 December 2017

Unable to print Dot Matrix printers after Windows 10 updates

Been a little occupied with work. Sorry if I have not been updating news and work progress. Recently encountered a bizarre case. It involves Windows 10. 

I have emphasize before that its important to update your licensed Windows version. Its most important especially when the version of Windows is Windows 10. Since its launch, there have been various bugs like wireless not connecting, and some software not compatible and such. This particular problem that I'm about to share, actually comes from updating Windows 10.

Just 2 weeks ago, my customer that uses 24pin dot matrix printers to print carbon copies, suddenly can't print. I've checked and double triple check that the drivers are updated, printer cables connected, even disabling firewall to check.

Finally, after another customer have the similar issue, I went into a deeper more customized google phrase search. "Epson printer cannot print after windows 10". The first link pops up. I uninstall the windows update and miracle! The printer now prints as normal. Well, I do hope Microsoft will rectify the issue as soon as possible. Though not many have fallen to this trap yet, maybe not many uses dot matrix printer. But I'm so glad that whoever had the problem, he/she/they posted it on google and made it easy for me to find out.

The link below explains it all. But if you're unsure on how to remove or uninstall a windows update, to be safer than sorry, contact me and will provide services with minimal fee.

https://www.tachytelic.net/2017/11/unable-print-dot-matrix-printers-windows-updates/