PC Software Installation

Rob at Loanhead

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I recently changed my old PC with Windows XP to one with Windows 10. Excel is available free on the new PC but only for a limited time. My old PC was a stand alone system, i.e. not connected to the internet, with Microsoft Office installed. As I preferred the version of Excel on the XP PC, I copied the Microsoft Office folder from the XP PC to the Windows 10 PC. However, when I try to fire up Excel on the new system, I get the message "This app must be installed to run. Run setup from location where app was originally installed".
Is there any way to fix this, as far as I can remember the software was already on the old PC when I got it second-hand some years ago?
Also, if I decide to go for the Windows365 online subscription for the new PC, would it be possible to revert back to an earlier version of Excel that I am used to?
I would appreciate any comments.
Thanks,
Rob
 
You need the installation media and the serial key for that version of Excel.

If your XP PC is still functioning then this software can scan the system and extract the excel key.

Finding an old copy of the excel you use well ebay is the most likely place to look if you want the physical disc. Other ways are scour the internet archive for a digital copy of the CD.

Another option is the free Libre Office, it can read Excel files and is like old school MS Office without the subscriptions.

You can buy modern Excel from the built in MS Store on windows 10 as a standalone digital download so there is no subscription, well at least the last time I looked.
 
Not a direct answer to your question - but have you considered switching to a geniunely free, modern alternative?
It's very similar to MS "O" but there will be a little learning curve as buttons, menus, and the syntax of formulae in spreadsheets all differ slightly. But it can be configured to open, save as, etc., MS"O" formats (.xls; doc; docx etc.).

edit: x-posted with the above
 
Office 2021 is the standalone version, Office 365 is the subscription version with ongoing updates, extra online features etc.

Neither will provide access to old versions of the software. Generally only specialist software has older versions that are maintained and updated to work on newer systems.
 
You need the installation media and the serial key for that version of Excel.

If your XP PC is still functioning then this software can scan the system and extract the excel key.

Finding an old copy of the excel you use well ebay is the most likely place to look if you want the physical disc. Other ways are scour the internet archive for a digital copy of the CD.

Another option is the free Libre Office, it can read Excel files and is like old school MS Office without the subscriptions.

You can buy modern Excel from the built in MS Store on windows 10 as a standalone digital download so there is no subscription, well at least the last time I looked.
Thanks for your comments.
My first preference would be to try and get a disk with an earlier version of Excel, but the problem is how would I know if it would be compatible with Windows 10?
Failing that, the next best option would be buying the one-off 2021 version from Microsoft.
 
Thanks for your comments.
My first preference would be to try and get a disk with an earlier version of Excel, but the problem is how would I know if it would be compatible with Windows 10?
Failing that, the next best option would be buying the one-off 2021 version from Microsoft.

I'd go with the one off 2021 Excel on MS Store or install libreoffice and give it a try, its free and there is nothing to lose.

Depending on how old the version of Excel you used from near 20 years ago, it probably will install but it may have to be run in compatibility mode (edit properties of the exe) and how well it runs is another matter. Not sure how accurate this info is here but it says what versions of old office run on win 10, office 2007 onwards is considered okay.
 
I've downloaded libreoffice and it looks ok. I'll give it a try to see how I get on before I go down any other road. Meanwhile thanks for all your assistance, it was greatly appreciated.
 

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