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Then Microsoft released Office for Mac 2008, which removed macro support. This upset a lot of long-time professional users of Office for Mac, who made use of macros. However, this was a move that security-savvy Mac users celebrated, as it made Macs immune to macro malware. Download the Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac August update package now. Virus-scan claim. Microsoft scanned this file for viruses, using the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help prevent any unauthorized changes to it.

Note

Office 365 ProPlus is being renamed to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise. For more information about this change, read this blog post.

Summary

Existing Office 2016 for Mac customers will be seamlessly upgraded to 64-bit versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote as part of the August product release (version 15.25). This affects customers of all license types: Retail, Office 365 Consumer, Office 365 Commercial, and Volume License installations.

Deployment options for the 64-bit update

AutoUpdate (MAU)

Customers who use Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) to keep their Office applications up-to-date will see a 'regular' monthly update notification when their selected channel is upgraded to 64-bit builds. Depending on which version is installed on the local computer, MAU will offer either a delta or full update. The update package size does not change between 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Also, MAU can deliver a delta update when applicable to update a user from 32-bit to 64-bit applications. Therefore, customers won't experience a sharp increase in download activity. For the release to the Production channel, customers will see '(64-bit)' in the update title to make them aware that this is a 64-bit update.

For information about how to use the MAU, see Check for Office for Mac updates automatically.

Manual updates

The August release of Office for Mac is available for manual download. The following file provides a 64-bit package to replace existing 32-bit applications with 64-bit variants during installation:

Download the Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac August update package now.

Virus-scan claim

Microsoft scanned this file for viruses, using the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help prevent any unauthorized changes to it.

Volume License Service Center

Volume License customers typically get their Office 2016 software from the Volume License Service Center (VLSC). These builds are refreshed infrequently and are typically aligned with new language editions. The VLSC will continue to offer 32-bit installers (15.23) until November 2016. However, all updater packages that are released after August will be based on 64-bit builds. Therefore, a VLSC customer who updates either manually or through AutoUpdate will be transitioned to 64-bit builds.

More Information

64-bit only

The Mac operating system has been 64-bit for several years. Unlike for Windows, there's no choice between running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of the Mac operating system. Similarly, we won't offer a choice between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Office 2016 for Mac. After each 'channel' is transitioned per the rollout schedule, only 64-bit builds will be available.

Effect on third-party applications and add-ins

The transition to 64-bit Office for Mac was announced on the Office developer blog in April 2016. This website is the primary reference for third-party vendors to understand the change and the effect on their products. IT Pros will want to understand which compiled add-ins are deployed to the users whom they manage so that they can assess the effect of the upgrade. The following Microsoft Office website summarizes the issues that affect the more common add-ins that are used together with Office 2016 for Mac:

Tools for inspecting product architecture

To verify the architecture of an Office application (that is, to understand whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit build), start the application, open the Activity Monitor, and then enable the Kind column.

You can also use the file command in a terminal session to inspect the binary. For this use, type file -N <path of binary>.This method can be used with for any binary file, including third-party add-ins.

The file command returns one of three values.

Options for reverting to 32-bit installations

There may be situations in which the customer has to change code that's not 64-bit ready. If customers can't immediately move forward to 64-bit builds, we will make available a one-time 32-bit update for the 15.25 release in addition to the default 64-bit updates. The 32-bit updates will be available only for manual download from the Office CDN.

The latest 32-bit release of Office 2016 for Mac (15.25.160818) can be downloaded from https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=823192.

Customers who manually install the 32-bit release won't be offered the 64-bit version of 15.25 through MAU. However, MAU will offer the 64-bit version of 15.26 in September 2016. Therefore, customers have a limited time to remain on 32-bit builds.

If a customer has already upgraded to the 64-bit update of Office for Mac 15.25 and wants to revert to the 32-bit version, follow these steps:

1. Exit all open Office 2016 applications.
2. Start Safari, and then browse to https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=823192 to start the download of the 32-bit installer.
3. Double-click the downloaded package, and then follow the instructions.

The 64-bit installation has a build date of 160817. The 32-bit version has a build date of 160818.

Microsoft Office Activation Wizard removal instructions

What is Microsoft Office Activation Wizard?

'Microsoft Office Activation Wizard' is a deceptive pop-up claiming that the user's MS Office activation has expired. This pop-up often infiltrates the system during installation of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), which generate intrusive online advertisements, cause unwanted redirects, and continually record information relating to users' Internet browsing activity.

The 'Microsoft Office Activation Wizard' pop-up overlays all computer applications. It contains a message stating that the MS Office activation has expired and that the victim has two choices: 1) activate via the Internet, or; 2) call tech support via the telephone number provided (1 800 935 6918). In fact, activation via the Internet does not work and, thus, victims are forced to call tech support. Be aware that this pop-up is fake - criminals attempt to trick victims into calling and paying for services that are not needed. Fortunately, the 'Microsoft Office Activation Wizard' executable has a hard-coded activation code ('THTY4-89LK6-RTI23-XZTOP-05ERY'), which you can use to 'activate' your MS Office and, therefore, remove the pop-up. PUPs employ a 'virtual layer' to generate pop-up, banner, coupon, and other similar advertisements. The virtual layer enables placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, displayed ads often conceal underlying content. These bogus programs are also likely to redirect users to various websites (usually fake Internet search engines) without their consent. Content-concealing ads and unwanted redirects significantly diminish the Internet browsing activity. In addition, PUPs continually monitor users' Internet browsing activity by recording various data that might be personally identifiable (including, for example, geo-locations, Internet service provider (ISP), Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) The data is shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private details to generate revenue. Thus, the presence of information-tracking apps on your system might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Potentially unwanted programs must be uninstalled immediately.

'Microsoft Office Activation Wizard' shares many similarities with dozens of other fake pop-ups/errors such as You Have A ZEUS Virus, Your PC Ran Into A Problem, Your Windows Computer Has Been Blocked, and Windows Firewall Security Damaged. All claim that the system is infected, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways. These errors are designed only to scare and trick victims into paying for unneeded services. They are not genuine and you should never believe them.

How did adware install on my computer?

As mentioned above, 'Microsoft Office Activation Wizard' is distributed with potentially unwanted programs that infiltrate systems without users' consent. This marketing method is called 'bundling' - stealth installation of third party apps with regular software/apps. Developers know that users often rush the download/installation processes and skip most steps. Therefore, they conceal bundled programs in the 'Custom/Advanced' settings' section of the download or installation processes. Skipping this section often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue programs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

There are two simple steps you should take to prevent this situation. Firstly, never rush when downloading and installing software. Select the 'Custom/Advanced' settings and closely analyze each step. Secondly, decline offers to download/install additional applications and cancel those already included.

Text presented within 'Microsoft Office Activation Wizard' pop-up:

Microsoft Office Activation Wizard
Microsoft Office Home and Student 2016
Activation Wizard
Thank you for installing Microsoft Office Home and Student 2016. Activation is required to authenticate this copy of Microsoft Office. This wizard will guide you through the Activation process. How to you want to activate your software?
* I want to activate the software over the Internet (recommended)
* I want to activate the software by telephone. (Toll-Free: 1 800 935 6918)
If you chose not to active at this time, you may run the software for 29 more days before the product becomes unlicensed. Click Help for more information.

Pop-up window displayed after choosing to activate MS Officia via the Internet:

Text presented within this pop-up:

Enter your product key
Your product key is 25 characters and is typically found in your product packaging Toll-Free: 1 800 935 6918
See product key examples
Sign in with an active account instead
Attempt to automatically activate my product online.

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▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner.

Quick menu:

Microsoft Virus Scanner Windows 10

• STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue extension from Safari.
• STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Adware removal:

Windows 7 users:

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

Windows XP users:

Click Start, choose Settings and click Control Panel. Locate and click Add or Remove Programs.

Windows 10 and Windows 8 users:

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Mac OSX users:

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click 'Uninstall' or 'Remove'.

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner.

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Click the 'gear' icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select 'Manage Add-ons'. Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click 'Remove'.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the microsoft office activation wizard virus, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Click the Reset button.

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select 'Tools' and click 'Extensions'. Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the microsoft office activation wizard virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select 'Add-ons'. Click 'Extensions', in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with microsoft office activation wizard virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.

Select Troubleshooting Information.

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Click the Edge menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select 'Extensions'. Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click 'Remove' below their names.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the microsoft office activation wizard virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Mac Free

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

• If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Microsoft Office Virus Software

Summary:

Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free. software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove microsoft office activation wizard virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.

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