As a professional writer, I heavily rely on productivity software like Microsoft Office to make work easier. However, when I bought this secondhand PC, I found that a cracked version of MS Office was installed on it. Knowing the risks involved with cracked software, I knew I had to get rid of such software carefully. In this paper, I will guide you through how to remove the cracked version of Microsoft Office from your PC without compromising the safety of your system.
Why do we need to remove the cracked version of MS Office?
It is Microsoft Office for most of us when it comes to productivity software. However, using cracked versions of MS Office seems quicker and more cost-effective, but there is a much greater amount of risks and shortcomings involved. Knowing these signs and risks is very important for the safety of your data and your computer.
Signs of Using Cracked MS Office
1. Repeated Requests for Activation: If the software is asking you time and again to activate it, then most probably, it is not genuine.
2. Lack of Features: Cracked versions, quite often, do not have any tools or any particular functionality.
3. Errors and Crashing: If it crashes continuously or returns illogical errors, then your software is unstable for sure.
4. No Updates: If the updates are not being provided to you, then your software is most probably cracked.
5. Security Warnings: Sometimes, even antivirus flags up hacked or cracked versions of any software.
Risks Involved with the Usage of Cracked MS Office
1. Virus/Malware: Cracked software can be a host for viruses or malware that will infect your computer and steal all of your data.
2. Security Vulnerabilities: Without updates, your software is open to security breaches.
3. Legal Problems: Using cracked versions of software is against the law, and the law may prosecute you with fines.
4. Performance Issues: Cracked versions tend to run badly, crashing during the course and possibly even losing data.
5. No Support: You will not be provided with customer support if you have problems.
Uninstalling a cracked version of MS Office involves more than cleaning up your computer; it is also a method of protection from security vulnerabilities, legal complications, and ensures access to reliable software to support your productivity needs.
How to Safely Remove the Cracked MS Office?
Removing a cracked version of MS Office from your PC requires some careful steps that will ensure trails are gotten rid of. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process :
Step 1: Open Control Panel:
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type control and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Programs:
Click on Programs, then Programs and Features.
Step 3: Find Microsoft Office:
Scroll the list and look for the cracked version of Microsoft Office.
Step 4: Uninstall Highlight the office listing and select uninstall.
When prompted to additional screens, follow the on-screen prompts in order to complete the ssthe uninstallation process. These steps will be very effective in uninstalling the cracked version of MS Office along with residual files.
How to Ensure That All Remnants of the Cracked Office Version Are Removed?
They even remain in your system after you uninstall the cracked version of Office. These leftovers conflict with further installations, create loopholes for security issues, and are a major cause of slowing down the performance. Complete removal of these is necessary if you want your system clean and performing efficiently.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Manual Removal:
Control Panel Check:
Open the Control Panel and then click "Programs" or "Programs and Features".
Search for Office items or hacked version entries. If some are found, uninstall.
Check the Registry:
Start the Registry Editor.
Look for the following keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Office
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Office
Remove any entries about the hacked version. Please be very cautious when modifying entries in the registry as not-so-good edits may cause system instability.
Step 2: Using the Specialized Uninstaller
Install the third-party uninstaller program
Scan the remnants of the cracked version of Office with the same.
Follow the tool's instructions to remove the remnants.
Step 3: Cleaning Temporary Files
Run a clean using either a built-in tool, Disk Cleanup, or a third-party cleaner of temporary files and cache.
This may clear up space and get rid of the remnants.
Step 4: Malware Scanning
Do a deep scan with a good antivirus to make sure some malware hasn't come in along with the cracked version.
Step 5: Verification
After the above steps, try installing the valid version of Office. If it still gives any problem, there might be remnants. Repeat the removal process again.
Some other tips :
Be wary of online sources: Under no circumstances download cracked software from untrusted websites because they have more chances of having viruses.
Buy subscription for it: Subscription will keep an authentic Office updated on regular basis entitled to tech support and clean install.
Use genuine software: Never install any software from other than their own official websites; this will not breach the integrity of your system.
Following these steps and being cautious, you will be able to uninstalled every bit of the cracked version of Office that exists in your computer and have a clean, absolutely virus-free computing setup.
Using genuine MS Office
Changing over to an authentic version of Microsoft Office will not only keep you on the right side of the law but will also open a whole array of useful features and services. What can you expect, and how can you get it?
1. What You Get with Genuine MS Office
1. Access to All Office Applications:
Word: Create and edit documents with advanced formatting and collaboration features;
Excel: Use powerful spreadsheets with functions, formulas, and data analysis tools.
PowerPoint: Create presentations with rich multimedia support and professional templates.
Outlook: Organize your e-mails, calendar, and contacts with advanced organization tools.
OneNote: Take and organize your notes across your devices.
2. Regular Updates:
Get updated with all the recent features, security updates, and bug fixes.
3. Cloud Storage:
Get integrated with OneDrive for online storage and file sharing.
4. Technical Support:
Get support from Microsoft's customer support team for issues you encounter.
5. Security:
Enjoy a set of built-in security features keeping your data and privacy safe.
6. Compatibility:
Work seamlessly with other Microsoft products and services.
2. Purchase a Genuine One
You can buy MS Office directly from Microsoft or from any of the 'Authorized Retailers'. Following is an overview regarding prices:
MS 365 Personal: About $69.99 a year.
Microsoft 365 Family, for approximately $99.99 annually: Accommodates up to 6 people.
Office Home & Student 2021, one-time purchase: About $149.99.
For the latest pricing and plans, visit the Microsoft Office pricing page.
3. Genuine Microsoft Office Download and Installation
Step 1: Open any browser and go to the Microsoft Office official download page; click on Microsoft Office to start downloading the application.
Step 2: Use your Microsoft account to log in; if you don't have one, you'll need to create it. This will be associated with the licensing of your Office.
Step 3: Product key: If you bought a physical copy, just put in the key given inside the box. In case of online purchases, sometimes a product key can be mentioned inside confirmation mail or inside your account.
Step 4: When prompted, choose which Office version to install: You can choose Microsoft 365 or even Office 2021.
Step 5: Download the installation file: Just click on the download button and save the file on the computer.
Step 6: Run the installer: Double-click on the downloaded setup and follow the on-screen prompts to complete it.
Step 7: Activating Office Once installed, open an Office application, such as Word or Excel. It will immediately ask you to activate your software. You may need to input your product key, if requested. Then, click through the activation process.
This will ensure your copy of Microsoft Office is genuine and fully functional, you avoid all risks coming with counterfeit software, and get all features and support provided by Microsoft.
Using a Free and Powerful Alternative—WPS Office
Whether you are on the lookout for an alternative to Microsoft Office that is effective and budget-friendly, then WPS Office is most definitely the best choice. Below is a succinct outline of what WPS Office has to offer and how you can download the software.
Why Choose WPS Office?
1. Free to Use
WPS Office is free, offering a complete suite of office applications with no investment. This gives it favor among the lesser-well-endowed, as long as the basic functionality of an office suite is all that is required.
2. Full-featured Suite
WPS Office contains all the applications you might expect from an office suite like Microsoft Office:
WPS Writer: This word processor lets you create and edit documents in various formats.
WPS Spreadsheet: You can use this application to organize data into tables, build charts, and execute complex data analysis.
WPS Presentation: Creation and deliver professional presentations with multi-media support.
3. All-in-One Office Suite
WPS Office contains all the tools you may need in one package, and that's why this office suite can provide users with a seamless experience just like Microsoft. This means it eliminates the hassle of toggling between different applications for various purposes.
4. Compatibility with Microsoft Office
WPS Office is designed to be fully compatible with Microsoft Office file formats, meaning you should face absolutely no problem in opening, editing, and saving document files in .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx formats.
5. Available on Multiple Platforms
WPS Office is available on a number of operating systems so you can access your documents on diverse devices: macOS Windows Linux 6. Avoid the Risks of Cracked Software
By using WPS Office, you will not have to take any legal and security risks with cracked software. Cracked versions can expose your system to malware, data theft, and legal consequences. WPS Office offers a safe and reliable alternative without these concerns.
How to Download WPS Office
Step 1: Go to the Official WPS Office Website
Step 2: Select Your Platform
Once the operating system you are using appears either Windows, macOS, or Linux, click on it for WPS Office.
Step 3: Download and Install
WPS Office comes in as a powerful, free, and extremely capable companion to Microsoft Office. It's ready to go through all your office tasks with efficiency and safety, unlike any cracked software.
FAQs
Are There Any Tools to Check if My Office Installation Is Genuine?
Yes, you can use these tools to check if your Office installation is genuine:
Microsoft Office Genuine Validation Tool: Available on the Microsoft Genuine Office page. It checks the validity of your Office license.
Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SARA): Download it from the SARA page to diagnose and fix issues.
Office Activation Troubleshooter: Access it via File > Account > Office Activation in any Office app to resolve activation problems.
How Can I Check if My PC Is Infected by Malware?
Check for malware:
1: Use Windows Defender. Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security, then select Quick Scan or Full Scan.
2: Use Malwarebytes - Download from Malwarebytes and run a scan.
3: Run ESET Online Scanner: Go to ESET and run an online scan.
4. Look for Signs: Slow performance, weird pop-ups, or sudden changes in behavior could spell a problem.
Summary
Removing it will save your computer from further damage and license issues. If you want the best security and performance, then you should invest in an authentic version of MS Office. However, if the budget is an issue, then WPS Office will serve your needs just fine. With WPS Office, you get a fully functional suite along with keeping yourself safe from possible risks associated with cracked software.
