Microsoft Excel: Free Download

[donaldfleming]

Does any know of a reliable source from which I can obtain a free download of Microsoft Excel?

I aim to use this software on a permanent basis, so downloading on a trial basis would not be of any use.

[EzyStvy]

Nope. There are no free and Legal copies available.

Open Office is free and has a very similar spreadsheet application.

[glc]

Sorry, if you want to use Excel you have to buy it.

[donaldfleming]

I have Windows XP Home Edition, which was preloaded into my Dell computer purchased in 2005.

I looked for Excel, but could not locate it in my PROGRAMS menu.

However, on searching for this software on my computer I came across references to Microsoft office. I did this by the following means:

Computer < Local Disc (C < Program Files < Microsoft Office < Office and Office 12

How do I access Excel, add it to my list of programs and create a desktop icon?

Of course there is a possibility that at some point in the past I have deleted or uninstalled Excel. If this is the case would be it be possible to reinstall?

If reinstalation is impossible, would it be possible to locate the licensing agreement number and ask Microsoft for a free download?

[glc]

Threads merged, please do not open new threads on the same issue. Thank you.

Search your hard drive for "excel.exe" - if it's not found it's not installed. If you are positive that a fully functional copy of Excel came preinstalled on the computer, you can do a system recovery by pressing Ctrl+F11 on startup. Note that this will WIPE YOUR HARD DRIVE and put the computer back to the exact condition it was in when you bought it.

Be careful - it MAY have come with only a trial edition, which won't do you any good. As I remember, if it came with a full version, it also came with a reinstallation CD with a license key. If you lost it, there's nothing you can do except a system recovery.

As mentioned, Open Office is free and is compatible with Microsoft Office.

[Kidd]

You want legal AND free?

Microsoft is way ahead of you:
MS Office Documents Live

[sgtspector]

There is a commercial product that is free. As a matter of fact I think Lotus was the first office suite. Long before MS ventured in the arena.

Just click to download

[Nuclear Krusader]

No it wasn't. M$ Office came out in AD 1990. Lotus SmartSuite came out in AD 1994.

It was Lotus 1-2-3, though, the de facto spreadsheet program, before M$ Excel.

[sgtspector]

It was Lotus 1-2-3, though, the de facto spreadsheet program, before M$ Excel.

That is what I was talking about Lotus 1 2 3.

[Petef56]

Originally Posted by glc As mentioned, Open Office is free and is compatible with Microsoft Office.

Donaldfleming, just in case you didn't know, OpenOffice will read Excel files and can be setup to save in Excel file format. You can download it for free and try it out to see if it suits all your needs.

download: OpenOffice.org Downloads

[Nuclear Krusader]

OO might be your best bet. Microsoft will never consent to give you a download, especially of an older version. They'll sell you the key for Excel/Office 2010 and THEN give you a link for the download of such latest version.

[Force Flow]

If you just need to look at the file and not make any changes, there are free viewer tools for office products:

Download details: Excel Viewer

[moe13]

if you work for a company that uses microsoft office you might be able to get a (close to) free version of all of the office suite as well under their "HUD" program -- (i think those are the acronyms, might be HUP. hell, it might be "WSDFEGDV" for all i know) ... basically a lot of companies that buy many licenses have an employee program through microsoft where you can get the entire office suite for your home computer for $9.99 shipping for use as long as you work for that company. you might want to look into it with your employer.