Activate Mac Office 11 in Parallels VM – product key madness

Yes, I know it’s ancient and no longer supported. However, I’d like to activate Mac Office 11 in a Parallels VM running Mojave.

The install was easy, I have my product key, but it wants activation by phone. I called and entered 54 digits to the robot – but was told no go.

I have the product(s) running on an alternate system volume. But a VM would be more convenient – and all I need to do is activate. There must be a way.

How can I activate Mac Office 11, now that MS is shunning it?