Ya know, I originally got to this page by asking the same question...how to find the product key. After reading the comments and answers, I had to get in on it and make a comment. Thank you all by the way for your expertise and helping before I rant....lol.
Its a load of crap that you have to let your license die with the computer. It was bought and paid for and should be yours to take with you to another computer if you want. I agree with not being allowed to have it on more than one computer without paying for it, they are trying to make a profit and that is fair but so is allowing to keep your purchase.
I use office a lot but don't really need a lot of bells and whistles so I'm still using the 2007 version. My computer didn't come with office, I couldn't afford a new office version. My old computer died so I took my office software that I bought with my old one and am now using it on my new one. It is bought and paid for and I believe thats how it should be!!!! It is on my computer only, I do not share it and thats how it should be. Sorry I just couldn't let it go.....lol!