can't install software

My, limited experience is that Microsoft Office can be difficult to install.  I call M$ Office Support and let them get it going.   Maybe that is limited to US.   Be prepared to prove you have a legal copy of M$ Office.   

You might, as an alternative, call the Alienware support number.  I have let them remote my computer several times to solve problems/issues.  

I assume you have done all the Windows updates, which can take a few minutes (hours???  LOL)   it is only the first time to get all those M$ Updates.

If you let the Alienware support guy help you.  Let him create a "System Restore Checkpoint"   and as well, create a copy of your Registry.  l am sure he can explain how that might help you later.  

Thanks Purple397, I will try that. I didn't install any updates , I assumed the computer came with all the latest updates. Like I said I am unused to computer diagnostic and repairs.. It's all Greek to me.

Didn't microsoft Office come installed on the computer? I thought all I had to do was activate the key, which I did but it tried an install and now Office isn't even listed in the startup window

I should say, that if you left click on the Windows at the bottom of the screen, then you can Click on Settings, then choose Updates, (on mine the lower right of the screen brought up by Settings)  If the thing does not start Automatically.   I only know what I did, I do not know all the in and outs of using Updates.   

Typically the factory installs a more base OS, leaving you to finish updates.   After all the Updates Download and run, and likely it can take hours to download and then install.   Then you can get back to the trying to install Office.   While the Updates are Downloading, computer response will be quite slow.   Windows doing updates is a constant thing.  Nothing as bad as the first time.   M$ is always trying to fix security holes.   

You might try to click on the Window at the bottom left of your screen, and choose All Apps, then look for a M$ Office, often these things come with a thirty day trial,  which allows one to Activate at any time.   

I suspect that what the order of events will be, for M$ Office, is to create a login to the Microsoft Store.    A bit annoying in some ways, but in the long run, it is a system that will be helpful to you.   You will someplace in there have the opportunity be able to create a Registration with the M$ Office people, such that, if and when you need to reinstall Office, you need only login into your Store account, and click on Re-Install.  It is wise to keep up with the Registration Code though.   If you buy Office through Dell/Alienware, they will not ever give you the Activation Code again.    However, M$ has your back if you keep up with your M$ login.  

Try to keep all the important things, and even the little bits of paper you got in the original box in one place.   Several years from now you can be really frustrated if you keep house as disorganized as I do.   

You will also have the opportunity to create Windows Restore Discs, which I suggest you try to find a way to do.   Well, it has some problems a newcomer might find difficult.  Or perhaps you got a USB Key with Restore on it.   Some of using the Restore Process is perplexing to me.   That is.  If needed,  I hope that I can use the discs to Restore Windows Discs, and it will also automatically Restore the Drivers at the same time.   Save me the trouble of going off to find them and download them.

Dell/Alienware has created a support page for your exact  computer.   You go through the process of logging into the Dell site, you can go to the page with the products you own, tell it the Service Code, and it will associate your login with the Service Code of the Computer, (numbers on back of computer)  Or they have a Dell Service Code Detector, (a little program, if it is working this week, was not last week) will find the little number for your machine.  Notice if you choose support on the page for your computer, it has a page for all the Drivers for your exact computer, and and tab saying what order to install them.