When you try to install Microsoft Office 2003 from the command line by using the Setup.exe file, you receive one of the following error messages:

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This issue occurs because all retail editions of Office 2003 require product activation and do not include the bypass capability supported by licensed editions. Only editions of Office 2003 that are acquired through a Volume License agreement or other non-retail channel permit you to create an administrative installation point. You cannot run Setup.exe in administrative mode (/a) or in quiet mode (/qb) with an Office 2003 retail edition.

Additionally, this issue may occur if you provide a retail product key when you use valid Enterprise media to perform an administrative installation.

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If you want to use either the /a switch or the /qb switch with Office 2003, you must obtain an Enterprise edition of Office.

Note You must obtain the correct user licenses before you copy, modify, or distribute a customized version of the Office 2003 CD.

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The Microsoft Office 2003 Resource Kit tools have been primarily designed to serve the deployment scenarios that are found in organizations by using volume licensing programs. Microsoft Office 2003 Resource Kit tools, such as the Custom Installation Wizard, cannot be used with a 2003 retail edition of Microsoft Office, and you cannot run Setup in administrative mode to create an administrative installation point with retail packaged products.

For information about how to obtain an Enterprise edition of Office 2003, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

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