Deploy Office via GP & software license problem

[stompin]

OK I have joined this Company with 110 users most of which have a copy of Office on their machines. All of the copies of Office have been deployed via CDROM with about 25% being OEM copies. What I need to do is deploy all copies of Office from the Server via a GP but how do I cater for all the different licenses (and versions of Office) out there on the LAN?. I also need to uninstall every copy of Office aswell before deploying the GP copy.

So basically I need to uninstall ofice on all machines, deploy office from the server and still keep within the licensing laws - is this possible?

Advice very much appreciated.

 

[MrTBC]

Hi there.
You can certainly install Office via Group Policy and also uninstall an earlier version of Office automatically. This will, however, install using a Volume License Key for all machines that you set when creating the Administrative Install.

 

[stompin]

Yes uninstall an EARLIER version - I need to uninstall version x and then reinstall the same version x again. Is it possible to collect all the licenses that already exist on the LAN and turn them into a vol license install no matter the version of Office - ie. we have Office 2000 right upto Office XP copies across the network?

 

[MrTBC]

Hi there.
I haven't done this myself but this site lists a 'REINSTALL=ALL' command that might work.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA011513661033.aspx

I'll have to pass on the Licensing query as I don't know enough about it I'm afraid. I know you can puchase Upgrade Licenses, etc. but that's about it.

I hope this helps.

 

[stompin]

Thanks thats very helpful.

 

[markdmac]

You should refer to my FAQ on deploying office via GPO. faq96-4996, it has all of the steps you need.

You need to be aware however that deploying office in this manner will only work if you have purchased a volume license copy. Retail and OEM versions will not allow you to create an Administrative Install. So, what you need to do is get your company to pony up the money for the licensing and get a CD for the volume licese copy. You can then push it out. A question in the Custom Installation Wizard is to uninstall previous versions or leave them intact.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark