[ducttape45]

I remember once, when I reprogrammed the computer I have that will support XP and 2003, that I got XP to load, but I couldn't get 2003 to authenticate. I think that are probably ways to do it, but since I haven't had the need I haven't pursued it. But when I finally do a shuffle of my equipment, I'm going to give it a try and see if I can make it work.

I'm with you, I hate the ribbon, and there is an add-on I once used to restore the old menu. That ruined it for me as well. I use 2010 mostly now, which of course has the ribbon, but I put up with it.

[MayflowerMadam]

I have the key that came on the original packaging ...

BUT once when I was looking in the Explore file manager, I THINK I noticed that the key was the serial number. So if you have it loaded on another system maybe you can find the serial number and try that.