I have tried that and it didn't work for me I don't get the "activate offline" option. Yes I did dissconect from the internet, to the point of unplugging the cable and disabling the connection in the control panel.

Sorry but that is the only answer your are going to get…

Print the post out and follow it to the letter!

This also assumes you have a Retail version that you actually bought and paid for and not some Ebay OEM repackaged scam.