Service Pack 1 for Office 2008 was just released recently. However, many people (including me) have experienced the infinite looping setup assistant problem. Basically, you can’t get any of the Office Apps working. If you try launching any of the Office apps, it would bug you with the Setup Assistant over and over again.
So here’s how to fix it:
Make sure you have your CD Key ready.
Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences/Microsoft/Office 2008 (you can use the Finder’s Go => Go To Folder… feature, just cut and paste this into the box)
Delete Microsoft Office 2008 Settings.plist
then Navigate to /Applications/Microsoft Office 2008/Office/
delete OfficePID.plist
You will be asked for the CD Key the next time you launch any of the Office apps. But that’s about it, it should fix the “Setup assistant loop” problem. ;)
P/S: Please don’t ask for CD Keys from me, your requests will not be entertained.

35 responses so far ↓
JL // May 20, 2008 at 11:26 pm |
Hi, thanks for investigating this. I tried the above, but when I put in the product ID, it won’t let me “continue.” Did you encounter this problem?
tzechuen // May 21, 2008 at 11:01 am |
Hmm, you might have mistaken the product ID (which is produced after you set up the product) with the key. You sure you put in the key properly without typo?
Jason // May 28, 2008 at 6:56 pm |
yeah i had the same problem, put the product key in and nothing happens, this is so annoying. and if you put a different one in it says it is not valid
word2389 // June 26, 2008 at 1:35 pm |
Thank you so much! talk about office being annoying…it seemed a bunch of people were/are having this issue. I’m usually hesitant about deleting .plist(s) since some programs have trouble recreating them again, but this worked great.
thanks.
Braden // October 7, 2008 at 7:36 am |
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!
Obviously Microsoft support is useless and sells faulty shit at high prices. Crooks!
Thank goodness you were here to save the day!
Sheryl // October 15, 2008 at 11:57 pm |
Hi, I have the problem too but have deleted the neccessary files and still wont continue.
I know you said to be sure not to mix up the product ID with the key but i’m sure I havent.
What else can i do it still wont work??
tzechuen // October 16, 2008 at 1:23 am |
Those of you who would like some alternative cd keys to try out please post reply here (and make sure you fill up your email address).
Sheryl managed to fix her problems by trying a different CD key I gave her.
sam // August 22, 2009 at 1:12 am |
My email is photohead@gmail.com
I have the same problem i did what i was told and when i hit continue nothing happens but if i try the wrong key it works for some reason
Ryan // October 17, 2008 at 10:38 pm |
I’m running into the same problem. After I did this my key doesn’t seem to allow me to continue.
Craig // October 18, 2008 at 2:02 am |
Different CD Key
Robert // October 29, 2008 at 4:19 am |
Hi there
Could you send me a different CD key too PLEASE? Mine was working fine UNTIL the Microsoft update. it also does “nothing” after entering the key. My product is legit, bought brand new…
Thanks
Robert
sam // November 16, 2008 at 9:42 am |
Same problem…deleted files…entered my good key and can’t continue. If you have another key for me to try that would be great. Thanks
sam // November 16, 2008 at 10:00 am |
Please use this email…other one is not working. Thanks again so much.
ovgum // November 16, 2008 at 11:59 pm |
Hello, firstly thanks for your help! I deleted the files but now nothing is launching… And it is not even asking me to enter a prouct key anymore.. Can I have a different product key please? I am going crazy from not being able to get anything done! Cheers..
rancher // November 18, 2008 at 2:58 pm |
Would you please give me an alternative product key to try as well? Mine is also not working.
Thanks
ltlax // December 1, 2008 at 11:10 am |
it doesnt seem to take my key. can someone send a cd key? Thanks.
Richi // December 9, 2008 at 7:00 am |
Please send a cd key my way as I’m experiencing the same problem. Thanks!
Richi
James // January 5, 2009 at 11:02 am |
After I enter my valid CD key, it won’t go to the next part even though I press “continue”
Please send a key to my email at heyitsjz@gmail.com
Thanks.
Lina // January 12, 2009 at 3:09 am |
Hi!!! Would you please give me an alternative product key to try as well? Mine is also not working. I deleted the files you said, but I had the exact same problem when I click “continue”.
Thanks for your help!!!
Lina // January 12, 2009 at 12:44 pm |
Thank you! It worked perfectly! :)
Sarah // January 19, 2009 at 9:39 am |
Hello,
Same problem, big surprise. Another key would be much appreciated!
Adriana // January 21, 2009 at 11:50 am |
Hi, I am having the same problem. Setup Assistant won’t let me continue. Can I get a different product key? Thank you so much!!!!!
Thibi // January 28, 2009 at 12:59 am |
Hi, I’m having the same problem that I can’t continue after putting in the product key. could you send me a new one? nguyentbn@gmail.com
Tinou // February 8, 2009 at 5:23 am |
Hello, I have the same problem with the setup Assistant. Could send me a new product key?
Thanks
tzechuen // February 14, 2009 at 11:10 pm |
Sorry guys, won’t be sending product keys anymore due to obvious reasons.
Corey // February 19, 2009 at 2:35 pm |
Thank you for your support – You directions worked perfectly – Stupid Microsoft!
tzechuen // February 20, 2009 at 12:02 am |
No problem Corey, my pleasure.
faisal // March 8, 2009 at 2:10 pm |
I’ve the same problem. It is not going forward from “continue”. Could you please send me the new keys? thanks
Perry // March 11, 2009 at 3:34 pm |
Hi I also have the same problem, done deleting the said files and it asked for a cd key but it won’t continue after putting it. Please please please…this microsoft should pay..
thanks
Heng // March 19, 2009 at 9:28 pm |
Hello, I think i have the same problem, can’t continue after put in the product key. could you give me another copy of the product key? many thanks!!
viv // June 4, 2009 at 10:25 am |
same problem! could someone please, please send me an alternate key?
Terry // June 22, 2009 at 3:03 am |
I have the same issue and have been fighting it for several day. Is there an alternate key that someone can send me? Many thanks!
Phil // July 24, 2009 at 10:14 pm |
mine dosent want to continue EVEN with different CD KEYS!
WHAT CAN I DO PLEASE HELP
Gerald // July 29, 2009 at 8:14 am |
Me too please (cpu_f1xer@yahoo.com)
Dariana // August 17, 2009 at 10:10 am |
I found a key – demonoid.com