If users perform the rearm at the end of each 30-day period, they can run Office 2010 for a total of 180 days without having to supply an activation key.Īccording to a Microsoft spokeswoman, who replied to questions via e-mail, the rearm feature is aimed at enterprise administrators who use a single copy, or 'image,' to deploy a supported operating system and accompanying software on hundreds or thousands of PCs.Īs IT administrators prepare the image, however, the activation clock continues to tick down. The technique, dubbed 'rearm' as a nod to the command used in Windows, can be used up to five times. The file is located in the folder '%installdir%\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\OfficeSoftwareProtectionPlatform,' where ''%installdir%' is 'C:' on most machines. At some point, the Office 2010 title bar also turns red.īut by running a file named 'ospprearm.exe,' users can reset the time-until-activation to 30 days. In Office 2010, the messages change on the 25th day after installation. As the grace period shrinks, however, messages appear on the screen reminding the user to activate the product. During the 30-day grace period, the software works as if it has been activated. Microsoft typically allows users to install and run Office or Windows for up to 30 days without requiring a product activation key, the 25-character string that proves the copy is legitimate.
