A simple guide to understanding Microsoft software licensing - The difference between OEM / FPP / Open Licensing

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)
What is it?
With OEM, you buy the hardware (such as a laptop) with the software already installed. The software license is attached to the computer. That means the software cannot be transferred to another computer. This option is suited to home users and organizations with minimal IT requirements within their organization.

PROs:
- When you buy the computer it comes with the software
pre-installed and ready to use.

CONs:
- OEM Licenses are not transferable.

Who is it for? Usually major computer brands such as HP and DELL will bundle the operating system together with their products. This bundled license is called OEM.

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Full Packaged Product (FPP)
What is it?
Full Packaged Product (FPP) is software that you buy off the shelf from a retailer, e.g. Microsoft Windows® software. Each box contains a copy of the software that you manually install on your computer and one license. This type of license is perpetual. This option is ideal for home use and for small businesses that need less than five software licenses and minimal user rights associated to the software. FPP is the most expensive way to purchase Microsoft products.

PROs:
- Software can be purchased from a retail outlet or online, and can be installed quickly and easily.

CONs:
- You’re limited to installing your software on a single computer only.

Who is it for? FPP is ideal for customers that have between 1 – 5 computers or that need less than 5 software licenses.

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Open License / Value License / Volume License
What is it?
Available only with a minimum purchase of 5 units on first purchase. This license is a perpetual (no expiry) and belongs to the company, not the computer or notebook.

PROs:
- License can be transferred from old PCs to new PCs (with no version upgrade).

CONs:
- Users are stuck with the same version 'forever' even after new versions and updates are released. This can be avoided by purchasing 'Software Assurance' which is renewed annually.

Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook window.

Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook window. The set of folders cannot be opened. File access is denied. You do not have the permission required to access the file (C:\Users\Admin\Documents\Outlook Files\outlookdata.pst).

This happens from time to time. First is to check your C drive has sufficient free space. Sometimes we are so caught up with work that we do not realize that our main harddisk where the windows are is full. this is due to temporary files act as memory cache taken up the space or we kept downloading files or our music and pictures files that we have been collecting has piled up the free space. (Try moving to your D drive or external harddisk or burn them on CD/DVDs).

If the outlook still cannot open. Here's the tricky part. You will need to access the Windows system registry and fiddle a bit. I will provide you with the solution. However, if you do not have the confidence to perform the task, its better to consult your IT man or you can look me up to provide you the services.

Firstly, try this option 1:
1. Click on Start Run...
2. Type in: outlook.exe /resetnavpanel

If this doesn't work, try this option 2:
1. Click on Start Run...
2. regedit
3. System registry window opens.
4. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows Messaging Subsystem
5. Make a backup the "Profiles" to your Documents folder.
6. Delete the "Profiles" key under the Windows Messaging (Subsystem) key

After this, start back up your Microsoft Outlook. It will prompt you to create a new profile name. Enter a name you desire and the it will as you to recreate a new email configuration. Add that in as well. And create it with a new outlook data.

Now, open your windows explorer and navigate to you Outlook Files folder. You will see a new pst file which you have created. And in addition your old pst file. Right click your old pst file and remove the Read Only option and Apply.

Go back to your Microsoft Outlook. Under the Account Settings, Select the Data Files tab. Add your existing old pst file. Set it to default if you wish to use back the old pst file. Restart your Microsoft Outlook.

Thats it.

Installing Microsoft Office Products needs online registration 2016

Some or many of IT personnel may have already know this. Some consumer may not know. But I just thought of sharing my knowledge anyway.

New Microsoft Office products 2016. When installing on new or old computers or laptops, its no longer easy. When you get your MSOffice product key, you will first need to Download the installer pack.

In some cases especially new computers and laptop that is pre-installed with Windows 10 already comes with a pre-installed Microsoft Office 2016 icon. Where when you double click, you will be asked if you want to test Trial the Microsoft Office, Buy online or Activate.

1- In which if you already have your Microsoft Office product key prior to buying off shelves at the computer store, you first click on the Activate button.
2- You then key in the product key
3- It will then open up the browser (https://setup.office.com) and ask you to sign in or create new id. In this case, its actually creating a new email account with outlook.com / hotmail.com / live.com
4- Once you have created or sign in, you will be given a link to download and install the Microsoft Office product based on the product you purchased. Home & Student or Home & Business.

NOTE: If you have multiple computers to install the original licensed Microsoft Office, it is advisable to have individual email account. Rather than one email account for all. (Microsoft Customer Service Officer advised me on that).

Everything has to be done online mostly now. This knowledge sharing of Microsoft Office is if you buy off the shelf. Office 365, is done all online thru the browser but with similar steps involved.