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.