My problem has been resolved.
Resolution Steps: (as suppied by Microsoft)
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1. Close all open windows and applications on your computer and return back to the desktop view.
2. On your Windows XP computer: navigate to Programs and Features (Start > Control Panel > Programs and/or Programs and Features).
3. Check if you see a trial activation software: “Microsoft Office Suite Activation Assistant” or a software with the words “Activation Assistant” in the name of the software. If found right-click on the software and click onUninstall. Ignore this step if you do not find the trial activation software and proceed to step 4
4. Once the above is removed find:Click-to-run or Office 2010 Click-to-run installed and right-click on it and click onUninstall. Once removed proceed with the next set of steps.
5. Once the above is completed check and uninstall any other version of Office 2010, Office 2007 and/or Office 2003 and any other Microsoft Office edition/version from the Programs and Features window.
6. Now we need to run an Office removal tool to remove the previous versions or trial/editions of Office from the computer.
7. Load the following link in your browser:
8. On the above link run the FIXIT tool for Office 2010. This may take a few minutes or complete in a few seconds, and will remove any corrupted installations and remnants of Office 2010.
9. After this is completed run the FIXIT tool for Office 2007. This may also take a few minutes or complete in a few seconds.
10. Finally run the FIXIT for Office 2003 just in case there are any remnants of any components of the older version of Office. This may run or may say that this FIXIT is not application for your computer or Operating System – which is fine.
11. After the above process is completed, close any open window and return to the desktop.
12. Now we will check and delete the 2 Office Registry Keys in the Registry Editor.
13. Click onStart and then on Run. If the Run option is not available in the Start Menu navigate to this location:Start > All Programs > Accessories > Run.
14. Type the following command in the Run box and click on OK:regedit
15. Expand the 2nd Sub Registry KeyHKEY_CURRENT_USER and then expand the SOFTWARE Key below. Similarly expand theMICROSOFT Key. Find the OFFICE Key under Microsoft and right-click on the key and delete the Key. Come back all the way to the top of the Registry Key and collapse the HKEY_CURRENT_USER Key.
16. Expand the 3rd Sub-Registry Key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. Navigate to SOFTWARE > MICROSOFT. Find the OFFICE Registry Key and then right-click on the Key and delete the key.
17. In case you are not able to delete one of the above Registry Keys ignore the step and proceed.
18. Close the Registry Editor window.
We shall now clear the Temp Folder. Follow these steps:
a. Click on Start > Run.
b. Type the following command in the Run box and click on OK:%temp%
c. In the Temp folder window click on theOrganize drop-down button and click on Select All.
d. Click on the Organize drop-down button again and click onDelete.
e. In case you are not able to delete any item click onSkip and let the deletion process move to the next item.
f. Once completed close the Temp folder window.
g. Restart your computer (restart important at this stage)
19. Once this is done – restart your computer.
20. Now re-install Office Pro 2010 from your disk using your 25 character Product Key number for Office Pro 2010. In case you do not have the installation disk and the product was originally downloaded on your computer or pre-installed then we will have to download Office Pro 2010 and install it.
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The solution to my particular problem is contained in steps 15 and 16, but I post all steps in case it helps anyone else.
I think I shall take kjv611's advice for future purchase's over the internet and check the validity first - with exceptions I suppose of the likes of Amazon of sites I have previously had dealings with.
I only wish that I was a little more knowlegable so that I could assist within this fine community rather than just browsing and asking for help. I'd like to put something back
Any way, not wishing to repeat myself too many times, thanks for all your input - appreciated
Voisey