Here in this article we will discuss about Microsoft Office Error 0x4004F00C. This error is related to the activation process of Microsoft Office applications. The full error message reads as:
“This copy of Microsoft Office is not activated. You have three days left to activate. (Error Code: 0x4004F00C)”
MS Office is a suite which is used by millions of users for several purposes. And we assume we don’t need to explain its contribution in increasing the productivity.
In order to use this Suite, the users need to activate their copy of the software using a unique product key. This activation process solely aims to ensure that the software is genuine and not being used illegally. It also enables Microsoft to provide updates and support to its users. It’s pertinent to mention activating Microsoft Office applications is a simple task but sometimes users face above mentioned error while performing the activation process. This error implies that the activation server met a trouble or the product key being used is invalid, expired or blocked.
And if we talk about the causes for this error, it may include the following:
#. Previous Office Installations
If you have earlier installed or tried to activate office on the same PC, residual files or incompatible settings from the earlier installations may lead to the above mention error.
#. System or Software Corruption
Corrupted System files or Office related files may also trigger the current error.
#. VPN or Proxy Interference
Sometimes the interference of VPN or Proxy Server leads to this error
#. Expired or Invalid Product key
You are most likely to face the above mention error, if you are using an incorrect product key or if the key has expired, the activation process will fail.
#. Conflicting Software
Sometimes the users face such errors due to the over protectiveness of the Antivirus software.
These were some of the basic reasons which lead to the above mention error. Now let’s discuss the solutions for resolving the error.
Try these Methods for Microsoft Office Error 0x4004F00C
Method 1: Run Office Activation troubleshooter
In the first method you are suggested to use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant to get past the error. To do so follow the below mention guidelines:
Step 1: Navigate to Microsoft’s Support Page and scroll down to Troubleshoot Office Activation > Select your Office Version ad then download the Support and Recovery Assistant version suitable for your Office Version
Step 2: Run the executable file and install the tool > When asked which app you are facing issues with select Office
Step 3: Now choose either “I’ve installed a subscription version of Office, but I can’t activate it” or “I am unable to sign in to activate or use Office apps.”
Step 4: Lastly follow the on-screen instructions to repair your Office copy > Wait until the troubleshooter has repaired Office and see the results
Method 2: Run Office as Admin
If running the Office Activation troubleshooter fails to resolve the issue, try to run Office as admin. To do so, use the following steps:
Step 1: In the Windows search bar, type the name of any Office app, right-click on the app and choose Run as administrator
Additionally, check if there’s newer office version available for your PC.
Step 1: Launch any Office app you want and open a new document > Tap on File > select Account
Step 2: Then navigate to Product Information and select Update Options
Step 3: Press the Update Now button, install the updates and see if the error still exists
Method 3: Uninstall Multiple Copies of Microsoft Office
It’s pertinent to mention having multiple copies of the Office app can obstruct the activation due to activation conflicts. In order to uninstall multiple copies, use the following:
Step 1: Open Control Panel again, select the Programs tab and click on Programs and Features
Step 2: Now, check if there are multiple versions of MS Office installed > Uninstall all the Version you are not using and restart your PC
Step 3: Then launch Office and try to activate the remaining version
Method 4: Delete your Office Credentials
In this method you are suggested to delete your Office Credentials, to proceed use the below mention guidelines:
Step 1: Firstly, exit your Office Apps, launch the Credential Manager and click on Windows Credentials
Step 2: Locate and select your Office Credentials
Step 3: Press the Remove button > launch any Office app and see if the issue resolved or not
Method 5: Enter your Product key using Command Prompt
Several users have claimed that entering the product key using Command Prompt resolved their issue, so you can also try the same for yourself.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Press Windows + R keys to open Run utility box > then copy and paste the following command into the Run dialog box and press Enter key:
Cscript “%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office15\ospp.vbs” /inpkey:<enter your product key>
Step 2: Replace the <enter your product key> with your actual product key > Ensure to remove the angle brackets (< and >), and also include the dashes in the product key.
Step 3: Then Restart your PC > the command will now run the ospp.vbs script with the specified product key, which will try to activate Microsoft Office using the provide key.
Method 6: Turn Off VPN, Firewall and Proxy
If you are using a VPN, disable the program and check if you can activate your Office copy. It is suggested to temporarily disable your firewall and Antivirus and try to activate Office again.
If you are on Windows 10, type “disable firewall” in the Windows search bar and select Windows Defender Firewall. Then click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on and off and disable the tool.
To disable your Antivirus, go to Virus and threat protection, select Manage settings and switch off the Real-time protection toggle
If you are using a Proxy Server, navigate to Settings, select Network & Internet and click on Proxy (left pane). If the new Automatic proxy setup window, disable Automatically detect settings and Use setup script. See the results.
Method 7: Check your Date and Time Settings
If you are still struggling with Microsoft Office Error 0x4004F00C, it is suggested to check your date and time settings.
Here’s how:
Step 1: First of all exit all your Office apps and right-click on the date (lower right corner) > Select Adjust date/ time.
Step 2: Under Current Date and time, toggle on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically
Method 8: Repair MS Office Installation
Repairing MS Office Installation is also an effective way to resolve the above mention error. To proceed use the following steps:
Step 1: Press Windows keys and type Control Panel in Windows Search and press Enter key
Step 2: Go to Programs tab and click on Programs and Features
Step 3: Next, select Microsoft Office and click on Change > Now, choose the option for Online Repair and click Repair
Step 4: Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process
Method 9: Update Microsoft Office
Updating the Microsoft Office may also resolve the above mention error. In order to get started with the method, use the following:
Step 1: Open the Office app > Click File > Account
Step 2: Under the Product Information, you can click Update Options > Update Now to install the Office Updates
If you bought MS Office from Microsoft Store, you can open Microsoft Store app, click the profile icon and ensure you are signed into Microsoft account that is associated with your office license. Then click the three-dot icon and click Downloads and Updates > Get Updates to update your Office program.
Bottom Line!
That’s all about Microsoft Office Error 0x4004F00C, we have provided ample solutions to get past this error. Now it’s your turn to follow our guidelines.
