Guide to Upgrading to Microsoft Office 2010

Microsoft Office 2010 is the latest Office suite from Microsoft. All your favorite applications still exist, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access. The same file extensions exist as with Microsoft Office 2007. However, your files from Microsoft Office XP and Office 2003 can still be opened in Microsoft Office 2010. When you're ready, follow the steps below to upgrade your system to Microsoft Office 2010.

System Requirements

Before installing Microsoft Office 2010, you system must be able to support the software. Microsoft Office 2010 requires you to have a 1 GHz process, 512 MB of RAM, 3.5 GB of available hard drive space, Windows XP SP3 or later and a 1024 X 768 or higher resolution monitor.

Upgrade Options

Sadly, Microsoft no longer offers an upgrade so to speak. In the place of upgrade pricing, Microsoft now offers users the option to purchase the full packaged software, which gives you a hard copy of Microsoft Office 2010, or a Product Key Card, which gives you a key and download link. The second option is cheaper, but you will need to create your own hard copy later on for backup reasons.

Installing Microsoft Office 2010

Take note of all your current options, especially any options in Microsoft Outlook. Also, back up any macros. This may be erased during the installation process. To begin the process, remove any previous versions of Microsoft Office. Go to "Start," select "Control Panel" and choose "Add/Remove Programs." Select your version of Microsoft Office from the list and choose "Change/Remove." Follow the prompts to remove your version of Microsoft Office. Restart your computer.

Disk Installation

Insert the Microsoft Office 2010 installation disk into your computer. Follow the prompts in the wizard to begin the installation. Choose which programs and which features to install for each program. For full control over the installation process, choose to do a "Custom" installation. A Typical installation does not install all options for each program. To prevent needing your disk at a later date to use features, install all options now.

Allow the installation to finish and restart your computer. Start any Office 2010 application, connect to the Internet and activate your software when prompted.

Porduct Key Card

Go to the website listed on your Product Key Card. Type in your product key and begin downloading your software. You can download just the applications you need or the full suite. Double click the installation file to begin the installation process. Follow the prompts to choose where to install the program. For most users, the defaults are fine. Open any installed application to begin using Microsoft Office 2010.