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Office error code 0x80070005 when activating Office

Do you get this error when you try to activate Office? Sometimes Office has trouble completing the activation process. If this happens, you'll see the following error message in Office:

"We're sorry, something went wrong and we can't do this for you right now. Please try again later. (0x80070005)"

Here are some things you can try to fix the problem.

If you get error 0x80070005 in Office after updating Windows

If the 0x80070005 error started after updating Windows, you can fix the issue by updating the registry.

Notes: 

  • WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. 

  • Before making any change in the registry, please back up your registry.

  1. Close all Office apps.

  2. Right-click the Windows button in the lower left-hand corner of your screen and select Run.

  3. In the Open box, type regedit, and select OK.

    Select Yes when prompted to allow Registry Editor to make changes to your device.

  4. In the Registry Editor, expand HKEY_USERS and select S-1-5-20.

  5. Right-click S-1-5-20 and select Permissions.

  6. Select Add.

  7. Type the logged in user's name, select Check Names, and then select OK.

  8. Select Advanced.

  9. In Advanced Security Settings, on the Permissions tab, select the user you just added, and then select Edit.

  10. Under Basic permissions, select Full Control, and then select OK.

    This takes you back to Advanced Security Settings.

  11. In Advanced Security Settings, on the Permissions tab, select NETWORK SERVICE, and then select Edit.

  12. Under Basic permissions, select Full Control (if not already selected), and then select OK.

    This takes you back to Advanced Security Settings.

  13. In Advanced Security Settings, select the checkbox named Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries form this object and select OK.

  14. Close Registry Editor and restart any Office app to try activating again.

Comments (2) -

  • Robert
    I purchased Windows 11 Pro to run on my Dell 27" All in one  that is currently running Windows 8.1 My System Has 156 GIG of Ram with 2 TB Memory using Telstra's latest Modem. My order Number for my purchase 45 Mins Ago is #24586. Should I change that to Windows 10  before I can buy windows 11. If so can you change my order to assist my update
  • Robert
    you sent me the key for activation for windows 11 however it won't work as I am currently running windows 8.1  so perhaps I need to upgrade to windows 10 instead of windows 11 I have paid the $75 . I just want to upgrade from 8.1