Why am I getting an activation error from Microsoft Office or Windows?

Note: This article only applies to Bucknell faculty and staff with Bucknell-owned computers. 

If you've been away from campus for a period of time, you may see this error from Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Office:

"This copy of Microsoft Office is not activated."

You're seeing this message because Windows and Office need to periodically check in with Bucknell's license server. This happens automatically when you're on campus, but if you're off campus, it can't connect, and you get this error message. 

Windows

1. Close your Office application (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
2. Connect to the VPN for a few minutes: https://bucknell.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/40/LIT/KB/ArticleDet?ID=300
3. Open up an Office program like Word or Excel. Your copy of Office should now be re-activated. 

Mac

1. Close your Office application (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
2. Go to Applications 
3. Open Self Service
4. Log in with Bucknell credentials
5. Select “Helpful Settings” on the left, and clicking “Install” on the button for Office 2019 Serializer
6. Open your Office product. If the issue persists, close and reopen Office.