Activate an Expression product

Setup will automatically attempt to activate your Microsoft Expression product during installation. If automatic activation fails, or if you choose not to activate your Expression product during installation, you can activate your Expression product by using the following procedure.

To activate your Expression product

1. Click Activate Product on the Help menu. You may see a validation screen as your product key is verified. If activation of your Expression product is successful, a message box informing you of the successful activation will be displayed. If activation fails, go to step 2.

2. If you haven't entered a valid product key yet, you will be prompted to do so before you can successfully activate your Expression product. Type the product key in the box under the first option in the dialog box.

   Tip

   The product key is located on the package of your Expression product, or in a confirmation e-mail that was sent to you at the time that you purchased and downloaded your Expression product online. Purchase the product online .

3. Make sure that the Activate product now check box is selected, and then click Continue.

4. If product activation fails after you enter a valid product key, the failure may be because either an Internet connection or an activation server is unavailable. You will see a dialog box that provides an option to try to activate your Expression product again by using an Internet connection, or an option to activate your Expression product by using an automated phone system. Follow the on-screen instructions if you choose the Activate by phone option.

See also

Concepts

Activation FAQ

Other resources

What is activation?

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