This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(288, 7.000000000000001%, 37%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EFA%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Suddenly I can't save Excel worksheets. It tells me to activate my account, but when I try to do that (I get as far as entering my email), it gives an error message ('unknown error'). I've checked and Office 365 subscription is up to date. I've tried uninstalling Office licence without success.
Processes in Microsoft 365 for setting up Office apps, redeeming product keys, and activating licenses.
I've now resolved it by reinstalling MS 365, I was then able to activate my account. But what a complete waste of a couple of hours! The suggestions provided by AI support didn't work for me.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(32, 84%, 13%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EXD%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Hello Fiona A,
I’m glad to hear that reinstalling Microsoft 365 resolved the activation issue and that you were finally able to activate Excel.
I completely understand your frustration, especially after spending several hours trying suggestions that did not work in your case.
Thank you for returning to share what worked. I’ll recommend your answer so that other users experiencing a similar activation issue can find this solution more easily.
Have a nice day.