I ran into this same problem installing Office Professional 2003 on a computer in mid January 2014 but solved it. You need to call the activation number (888) 652-2342. It will ask you if you are installing windows xp, say no, it asks about another software, say no. It then asks for your installation id code and you just follow directions from there... Mine is activated.

I had the same problem. I recently purchased a new computer with Windows 8. I re-loaded MS Office 2003 (was working in my old Win7 computer) and couldn't re-activate it thru the Internet. I read your solution and called the activation phone number you listed, and Wala!! I now have a fully operational Office 2003!!!! Thanks a million for your advice.

Thanks for this I was angry with microsoft telling I couldn't activate by phone called the number you posted and voila activated! Like the saying goes "Never take no for an answer" I bought and paid for this software I should be able to install on one computer as many times as I want Microsoft.