Backing Up the Activation File

• 1). Ensure that hidden files and folders are visible. Open "My Computer," open the "Tools" menu and click "Folder Options." On the "View" tab, make sure that "Show hidden files and folders" is selected. Click "OK."
  
  
• 2). Open the folder "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\OFFICE\DATA" and locate the "opa11.dat" file.
  
  
• 3). Copy "opa11.dat" to a USB drive, CD, or other storage medium.
  
  

Restoring the Activation File

• 1). Open the folder "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\OFFICE\DATA" after reinstalling Office 2003.
  
  
• 2). Copy "opa11.dat" from your backup location to the data folder, overwriting the new file with the backup.
  
  
• 3). Restart Windows and your copy of Microsoft Office 2003 will be reactivated.