Office 2010 “Cannot Verify License” Error Message When Entering Product Key

Problem

When entering a MAK activation key into Office 2010 the setup wizard may report that it "Cannot Verify the License". You will then be prompted to repair your Office installation but doing so may not fix the problem.

Cause

The cause is a problem with the Office Software Protection Platform software component.

Resolution

• Type in services.msc in the run box and find the service called Office Software Protection Platform
• Stop the service
• Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\OfficeSoftwareProtectionPlatform and rename tokens.dat to tokens.old.
• Go to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\OfficeSoftwareProtectionPlatform\Cache and rename cache.dat to cache.old.
• Now restart the system and open any Office program. You’ll be asked to retype your product key and this time it should be successful and activate.

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Applies to:

• Microsoft Office 2010