Microsoft Office 2010 Technology Guarantee: FAQ

Here's the deal for upgrading from Office 2007 to Office 2010 when it ships this spring.

Thinking about purchasing Microsoft Office, but you want to wait until Office 2010 comes out of beta? Don't bother; just pick up a copy of Office 2007 between now and September 30, and you'll be eligible to get a free upgrade to Office 2010, thanks to Microsoft's Technology Guarantee Program.

Microsoft apparently reconsidered its upgrade policy, after announcing in January that upgrade editions would not be offered for Office 2010. The Technology Guarantee Program has some restrictions, however, so here's the breakdown of everything you need to know to get your free upgrade.

Who is eligible for the Tech Guarantee?

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Thinking about purchasing Microsoft Office, but you want to wait until Office 2010 comes out of beta? Don't bother; just pick up a copy of Office 2007 between now and September 30, and you'll be eligible to get a free upgrade to Office 2010, thanks to Microsoft's Technology Guarantee Program.

Microsoft apparently reconsidered its upgrade policy, after announcing in January that upgrade editions would not be offered for Office 2010. The Technology Guarantee Program has some restrictions, however, so here's the breakdown of everything you need to know to get your free upgrade.

Who is eligible for the Tech Guarantee?

To be eligible you have to purchase the complete Microsoft Office 2007 or single programs from the productivity suite between now and September 30, 2010. Purchases must be for a new copy of Office 2007 bought from Microsoft or an authorized reseller, and can be standalone purchases or bundled with the purchase of a new PC.

Who is not eligible?

This is a promotional offer for home users only. You are not eligible if you have Office 2007 through a volume license (typically business owners with five computers or more); promotional or not-for-resale copies; or bought Office 2007 through the Home Use Rights or Student Select programs. Students, however, are advised to check with their retailer as you may be eligible for an Office 2010 upgrade through that store.

I bought a copy of Office 2007 on eBay. Does it qualify?

No. Microsoft says, "eBay sellers or sellers reselling used product are not authorized retailers," and therefore products purchased this way are not eligible for the Tech Guarantee.

What are the deadlines?

You have to purchase and activate your copy of Office 2007 by September 30, 2010 to be eligible for the upgrade. You also have to request your Office 2010 Tech Guarantee upgrade by October 31, 2010.

What are the Office 2010 Tech Guarantee limitations?

This is a straight up trade. You only get one Office 2010 suite for every corresponding Office 2007 product. However, some versions of Office 2010 have added new programs, such as OneNote, that weren't a part of the corresponding 2007 suite. you can see complete details below.

Also, you can only get 25 Tech Guarantee upgrades per person. Microsoft has this restriction to encourage users with larger needs to sign up for volume licensing deals.

There are no refunds for Office 2010 software ordered through the Tech Guarantee program.

What do I need?

When it comes time to redeem your Office 2010 upgrade you will need to know the date of purchase for your copy of Office 2007, your Office 2007 25-character Product ID and a Windows Live account (if you don't have a Windows Live ID you will be prompted to create one). Microsoft also advises you to hold onto your receipt as proof of purchase for Office 2007, since Microsoft may ask for information from your sales bill.

Why do I need a Windows Live ID?

Microsoft says it will be storing your Office 2010 Product Key through your Windows Live ID in case you need to download Office 2010 a second time.