If you haven't already installed a new copy wait. A similar problem happened to me. I purchased a copy of 2007 and installed it on my laptop. My laptop had to be re-formatted, so when I re-installed 2007, I got the same message you did. A phone number was listed, so I called microsoft and activated it over the phone. It was all automated, no person to talk to. It has worked fine ever since. Just a suggestion. If it was a legal copy, you should have no problem. If you are sure it wasn't, then don;t try to activate it. I know mine was legal. I was ready to explain my situation. I hope it works for you.