Problem with Microsoft Office X upgrade, please help!

Hello,

First, let me say right off the bat -- I am not trying to 'pirate' anything, so please don't crucify me. If reading this someone does not want to help me, that's ok -- move on. But no need for that discussion here, as I have a specific problem.

Now, the problem: I have been using Microsoft Office X for years without problems. I purchased it with my then business partner, and since our joint venture has fallen apart and he has (or has lost) all of the CDs of all the software we purchased. Long story short: I had a LOT of crashes today trying to make a simple table, so I did some research and I upgraded my Microsoft Office to 10.1.8, and now it wants a CD key in order to start! I can't even look at my word documents!! The problem is, I don't have the CDs anymore, and it does not seem to have any of the original information memorized.

So my question is this:

1. Is the original information stored somewhere in my computer that I don't know about?

2. If #1 is a 'no,' is there a way to circumvent this and at least read documents until I purchase again?

3. If 1 and 2 are 'no,' is there a way to UNINSTALL the upgrade and go back to the original software?

Thanks for your help... I'm in a real bind.