re-loading Word after format

If you are talking about MS Word that comes with MS Office you need the key to that program not the key for the operating system.

it calls for the 'certificate of authenticity, but when i put this in, it is rejected. Still cannot get 'Word' to work, though it is loaded. Very frustrating....

Are you using the KEY off of the Office package or the KEY on the bottom of your notebook??? The KEY on the bottom of the notebook is for the Operating System NOT for word or any other Office program. You need to find the package/CD sleeve Office or Word came in and there should be a KEY on that. If KEY you are using is off the Office or Word package/CD sleeve then just disregard the above and call Dell Tech Support. That is if Word or Office was pre-installed on your system by Dell when you purchased the system.

the number i've been using is the 'Certificate of Authenticity' that came with the discs that accomp-anied the Inspiron. I don't know what else to do.  What i read about the Dell 'tech help' does NOT encourage me to try that, as i have no need to increase my frustration level any further.