What is the difference between Microsoft Office 2010 Preloaded and Disc versions?

The preloaded versions of Microsoft Office 2010 come already installed on your new computer.  They don't include a disc you can use to reinstall Office.  But, because they come bundled with your new PC they can often be had at a discount over buying a retail boxed copy, which must include a disc with which to install the software.  The more computers you buy, the more you save - not to mention the time saved from having to go buy Microsoft Office when you're ready to get down to work.  With Office preinstalled you're ready in moments.

How would you reinstall a preloaded Office then?  You can download a disc image (a file) from Microsoft for free at www.office.com/backup.  You would need your Office product key card handy to authorize the download.  It will allow you to burn an Office installation disc with a blank DVD±R.  Another option would be to just buy a backup disc from Microsoft and have them mail it to you.

The recommended way of backing up Office is to backup your PC after you get it when it's new.  That way everything can be restored to new condition.  Windows 7 has inherited the Complete PC Image backup feature from Windows Vista Ultimate, which lets you copy your PCs C drive into one compressed file.  With Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate you can save a backup onto a local network location, such as a file server or another PC.  With Windows 7 Home Premium, as well as Pro and Ultimate, you can save a backup image onto a second hard drive, an external drive, or a set of DVD±R's.  From this point after you have a good backup saved, if you need to access it you can use the Control Panel and either click on Back up your computer on the top left (from the Category view) or otherwise click on the Backup and Restore icon.  Or in the event that you want to proceed to restore the whole PC from an unbootable, unfixable condition, a restore can be performed by booting the PC with your Windows 7 disc, provided with each KillaRad Windows 7 computer.

KillaRad Webmaster
Updated February 10, 2012