Under XP I need to install previously installed software

[Geoff]

I owned a Gateway PC running ME with some applications pre-installed but
without source CDs or install programs. I now own a Dell PC and have copied
all the old installed directories and dot exe files across to my new Dell
which runs XP SP2.

How can I install this software under XP without the install programs? I
consider that I own the software concerned and so am entitled to obtain
ongoing value in spite of swapping PCs.

 

[ModernDriver]

I have encounted similar experiences over the last six years regarding MS
operating systems and their method of operation on an ongoing, daily basis.
MS programs and operating systems do not operate the way we would like,
and that is because Microsoft takes steps to prevent piracy. Duly noted that
you own both systems. But each system is unique, having its own registry
values which are not the same across different computers--even though the
operating system and programs are _exactly_ the same. They are still
considered one-of-a-kind applications by the registry and installers, so
copying the files from one computer to another does not necessarily mean that
they will work. Consider that MS Office, for example, assigns a unique
product ID number found under the help tab from word, excel, etc. each time
it is installed. That ID number must match every registry entry, or it will
take it as an attempt at piracy or some other corruption in the registry or
installer setup.
Basically, without the original source disks for each computer, the
operation will not be 100% successful. Without the disks, installations
cannot be repaired, uninstalled or maintained. If you can get the original
program disks with the product keys that match, then you can simply reinstall
the desired program on your new Dell and delete the old installation on your
Gateway, or just leave them as is and abandon the system.
After going through this several times, this is the only method that I
know of, outside of completely reformatting the hard disk and starting all
over, that works 100%. But in that case you would need the Operating System
disk, the program disks, and knowing _exactly_ what you are doing. If not,
the anger and frustration cannot be measured.
In short, without the original disks and the product keys to match,
you're on your own and basically stranded from any support from microsoft. I
should know, that's why I buy the programs now so that I don't have to kick
my computer anymore from not having the source disks. Microsoft just wants
to make sure they get their money from legitimate sales, and not lose $$$ to
piracy--even though you indicated that you own both systems, Microsoft has no
way to verify that unless you activate the operating system. And without the
original master program disk, that's impossible.

 

[ModernDriver]

I have encounted similar experiences over the last six years regarding MS
operating systems and their method of operation on an ongoing, daily basis.
MS programs and operating systems do not operate the way we would like,
and that is because Microsoft takes steps to prevent piracy. Duly noted that
you own both systems. But each system is unique, having its own registry
values which are not the same across different computers--even though the
operating system and programs are _exactly_ the same. They are still
considered one-of-a-kind applications by the registry and installers, so
copying the files from one computer to another does not necessarily mean that
they will work. Consider that MS Office, for example, assigns a unique
product ID number found under the help tab from word, excel, etc. each time
it is installed. That ID number must match every registry entry, or it will
take it as an attempt at piracy or some other corruption in the registry or
installer setup.
Basically, without the original source disks for each computer, the
operation will not be 100% successful. Without the disks, installations
cannot be repaired, uninstalled or maintained. If you can get the original
program disks with the product keys that match, then you can simply reinstall
the desired program on your new Dell and delete the old installation on your
Gateway, or just leave them as is and abandon the system.
After going through this several times, this is the only method that I
know of, outside of completely reformatting the hard disk and starting all
over, that works 100%. But in that case you would need the Operating System
disk, the program disks, and knowing _exactly_ what you are doing. If not,
the anger and frustration cannot be measured.
In short, without the original disks and the product keys to match,
you're on your own and basically stranded from any support from microsoft. I
should know, that's why I buy the programs now so that I don't have to kick
my computer anymore from not having the source disks. Microsoft just wants
to make sure they get their money from legitimate sales, and not lose $$$ to
piracy--even though you indicated that you own both systems, Microsoft has no
way to verify that unless you activate the operating system. And without the
original master program disk, that's impossible.

 

[ModernDriver]

I have encounted similar experiences over the last six years regarding MS
operating systems and their method of operation on an ongoing, daily basis.
MS programs and operating systems do not operate the way we would like,
and that is because Microsoft takes steps to prevent piracy. Duly noted that
you own both systems. But each system is unique, having its own registry
values which are not the same across different computers--even though the
operating system and programs are _exactly_ the same. They are still
considered one-of-a-kind applications by the registry and installers, so
copying the files from one computer to another does not necessarily mean that
they will work. Consider that MS Office, for example, assigns a unique
product ID number found under the help tab from word, excel, etc. each time
it is installed. That ID number must match every registry entry, or it will
take it as an attempt at piracy or some other corruption in the registry or
installer setup.
Basically, without the original source disks for each computer, the
operation will not be 100% successful. Without the disks, installations
cannot be repaired, uninstalled or maintained. If you can get the original
program disks with the product keys that match, then you can simply reinstall
the desired program on your new Dell and delete the old installation on your
Gateway, or just leave them as is and abandon the system.
After going through this several times, this is the only method that I
know of, outside of completely reformatting the hard disk and starting all
over, that works 100%. But in that case you would need the Operating System
disk, the program disks, and knowing _exactly_ what you are doing. If not,
the anger and frustration cannot be measured.
In short, without the original disks and the product keys to match,
you're on your own and basically stranded from any support from microsoft. I
should know, that's why I buy the programs now so that I don't have to kick
my computer anymore from not having the source disks. Microsoft just wants
to make sure they get their money from legitimate sales, and not lose $$$ to
piracy--even though you indicated that you own both systems, Microsoft has no
way to verify that unless you activate the operating system. And without the
original master program disk, that's impossible.

 

[ModernDriver]

I have encounted similar experiences over the last six years regarding MS
operating systems and their method of operation on an ongoing, daily basis.
MS programs and operating systems do not operate the way we would like,
and that is because Microsoft takes steps to prevent piracy. Duly noted that
you own both systems. But each system is unique, having its own registry
values which are not the same across different computers--even though the
operating system and programs are _exactly_ the same. They are still
considered one-of-a-kind applications by the registry and installers, so
copying the files from one computer to another does not necessarily mean that
they will work. Consider that MS Office, for example, assigns a unique
product ID number found under the help tab from word, excel, etc. each time
it is installed. That ID number must match every registry entry, or it will
take it as an attempt at piracy or some other corruption in the registry or
installer setup.
Basically, without the original source disks for each computer, the
operation will not be 100% successful. Without the disks, installations
cannot be repaired, uninstalled or maintained. If you can get the original
program disks with the product keys that match, then you can simply reinstall
the desired program on your new Dell and delete the old installation on your
Gateway, or just leave them as is and abandon the system.
After going through this several times, this is the only method that I
know of, outside of completely reformatting the hard disk and starting all
over, that works 100%. But in that case you would need the Operating System
disk, the program disks, and knowing _exactly_ what you are doing. If not,
the anger and frustration cannot be measured.
In short, without the original disks and the product keys to match,
you're on your own and basically stranded from any support from microsoft. I
should know, that's why I buy the programs now so that I don't have to kick
my computer anymore from not having the source disks. Microsoft just wants
to make sure they get their money from legitimate sales, and not lose $$$ to
piracy--even though you indicated that you own both systems, Microsoft has no
way to verify that unless you activate the operating system. And without the
original master program disk, that's impossible.

 

[ModernDriver]

I have encounted similar experiences over the last six years regarding MS
operating systems and their method of operation on an ongoing, daily basis.
MS programs and operating systems do not operate the way we would like,
and that is because Microsoft takes steps to prevent piracy. Duly noted that
you own both systems. But each system is unique, having its own registry
values which are not the same across different computers--even though the
operating system and programs are _exactly_ the same. They are still
considered one-of-a-kind applications by the registry and installers, so
copying the files from one computer to another does not necessarily mean that
they will work. Consider that MS Office, for example, assigns a unique
product ID number found under the help tab from word, excel, etc. each time
it is installed. That ID number must match every registry entry, or it will
take it as an attempt at piracy or some other corruption in the registry or
installer setup.
Basically, without the original source disks for each computer, the
operation will not be 100% successful. Without the disks, installations
cannot be repaired, uninstalled or maintained. If you can get the original
program disks with the product keys that match, then you can simply reinstall
the desired program on your new Dell and delete the old installation on your
Gateway, or just leave them as is and abandon the system.
After going through this several times, this is the only method that I
know of, outside of completely reformatting the hard disk and starting all
over, that works 100%. But in that case you would need the Operating System
disk, the program disks, and knowing _exactly_ what you are doing. If not,
the anger and frustration cannot be measured.
In short, without the original disks and the product keys to match,
you're on your own and basically stranded from any support from microsoft. I
should know, that's why I buy the programs now so that I don't have to kick
my computer anymore from not having the source disks. Microsoft just wants
to make sure they get their money from legitimate sales, and not lose $$$ to
piracy--even though you indicated that you own both systems, Microsoft has no
way to verify that unless you activate the operating system. And without the
original master program disk, that's impossible.

 

[ModernDriver]

I have encounted similar experiences over the last six years regarding MS
operating systems and their method of operation on an ongoing, daily basis.
MS programs and operating systems do not operate the way we would like,
and that is because Microsoft takes steps to prevent piracy. Duly noted that
you own both systems. But each system is unique, having its own registry
values which are not the same across different computers--even though the
operating system and programs are _exactly_ the same. They are still
considered one-of-a-kind applications by the registry and installers, so
copying the files from one computer to another does not necessarily mean that
they will work. Consider that MS Office, for example, assigns a unique
product ID number found under the help tab from word, excel, etc. each time
it is installed. That ID number must match every registry entry, or it will
take it as an attempt at piracy or some other corruption in the registry or
installer setup.
Basically, without the original source disks for each computer, the
operation will not be 100% successful. Without the disks, installations
cannot be repaired, uninstalled or maintained. If you can get the original
program disks with the product keys that match, then you can simply reinstall
the desired program on your new Dell and delete the old installation on your
Gateway, or just leave them as is and abandon the system.
After going through this several times, this is the only method that I
know of, outside of completely reformatting the hard disk and starting all
over, that works 100%. But in that case you would need the Operating System
disk, the program disks, and knowing _exactly_ what you are doing. If not,
the anger and frustration cannot be measured.
In short, without the original disks and the product keys to match,
you're on your own and basically stranded from any support from microsoft. I
should know, that's why I buy the programs now so that I don't have to kick
my computer anymore from not having the source disks. Microsoft just wants
to make sure they get their money from legitimate sales, and not lose $$$ to
piracy--even though you indicated that you own both systems, Microsoft has no
way to verify that unless you activate the operating system. And without the
original master program disk, that's impossible.

 

[ModernDriver]

I have encounted similar experiences over the last six years regarding MS
operating systems and their method of operation on an ongoing, daily basis.
MS programs and operating systems do not operate the way we would like,
and that is because Microsoft takes steps to prevent piracy. Duly noted that
you own both systems. But each system is unique, having its own registry
values which are not the same across different computers--even though the
operating system and programs are _exactly_ the same. They are still
considered one-of-a-kind applications by the registry and installers, so
copying the files from one computer to another does not necessarily mean that
they will work. Consider that MS Office, for example, assigns a unique
product ID number found under the help tab from word, excel, etc. each time
it is installed. That ID number must match every registry entry, or it will
take it as an attempt at piracy or some other corruption in the registry or
installer setup.
Basically, without the original source disks for each computer, the
operation will not be 100% successful. Without the disks, installations
cannot be repaired, uninstalled or maintained. If you can get the original
program disks with the product keys that match, then you can simply reinstall
the desired program on your new Dell and delete the old installation on your
Gateway, or just leave them as is and abandon the system.
After going through this several times, this is the only method that I
know of, outside of completely reformatting the hard disk and starting all
over, that works 100%. But in that case you would need the Operating System
disk, the program disks, and knowing _exactly_ what you are doing. If not,
the anger and frustration cannot be measured.
In short, without the original disks and the product keys to match,
you're on your own and basically stranded from any support from microsoft. I
should know, that's why I buy the programs now so that I don't have to kick
my computer anymore from not having the source disks. Microsoft just wants
to make sure they get their money from legitimate sales, and not lose $$$ to
piracy--even though you indicated that you own both systems, Microsoft has no
way to verify that unless you activate the operating system. And without the
original master program disk, that's impossible.

 

[ModernDriver]

I have encounted similar experiences over the last six years regarding MS
operating systems and their method of operation on an ongoing, daily basis.
MS programs and operating systems do not operate the way we would like,
and that is because Microsoft takes steps to prevent piracy. Duly noted that
you own both systems. But each system is unique, having its own registry
values which are not the same across different computers--even though the
operating system and programs are _exactly_ the same. They are still
considered one-of-a-kind applications by the registry and installers, so
copying the files from one computer to another does not necessarily mean that
they will work. Consider that MS Office, for example, assigns a unique
product ID number found under the help tab from word, excel, etc. each time
it is installed. That ID number must match every registry entry, or it will
take it as an attempt at piracy or some other corruption in the registry or
installer setup.
Basically, without the original source disks for each computer, the
operation will not be 100% successful. Without the disks, installations
cannot be repaired, uninstalled or maintained. If you can get the original
program disks with the product keys that match, then you can simply reinstall
the desired program on your new Dell and delete the old installation on your
Gateway, or just leave them as is and abandon the system.
After going through this several times, this is the only method that I
know of, outside of completely reformatting the hard disk and starting all
over, that works 100%. But in that case you would need the Operating System
disk, the program disks, and knowing _exactly_ what you are doing. If not,
the anger and frustration cannot be measured.
In short, without the original disks and the product keys to match,
you're on your own and basically stranded from any support from microsoft. I
should know, that's why I buy the programs now so that I don't have to kick
my computer anymore from not having the source disks. Microsoft just wants
to make sure they get their money from legitimate sales, and not lose $$$ to
piracy--even though you indicated that you own both systems, Microsoft has no
way to verify that unless you activate the operating system. And without the
original master program disk, that's impossible.

 

[ModernDriver]

I have encounted similar experiences over the last six years regarding MS
operating systems and their method of operation on an ongoing, daily basis.
MS programs and operating systems do not operate the way we would like,
and that is because Microsoft takes steps to prevent piracy. Duly noted that
you own both systems. But each system is unique, having its own registry
values which are not the same across different computers--even though the
operating system and programs are _exactly_ the same. They are still
considered one-of-a-kind applications by the registry and installers, so
copying the files from one computer to another does not necessarily mean that
they will work. Consider that MS Office, for example, assigns a unique
product ID number found under the help tab from word, excel, etc. each time
it is installed. That ID number must match every registry entry, or it will
take it as an attempt at piracy or some other corruption in the registry or
installer setup.
Basically, without the original source disks for each computer, the
operation will not be 100% successful. Without the disks, installations
cannot be repaired, uninstalled or maintained. If you can get the original
program disks with the product keys that match, then you can simply reinstall
the desired program on your new Dell and delete the old installation on your
Gateway, or just leave them as is and abandon the system.
After going through this several times, this is the only method that I
know of, outside of completely reformatting the hard disk and starting all
over, that works 100%. But in that case you would need the Operating System
disk, the program disks, and knowing _exactly_ what you are doing. If not,
the anger and frustration cannot be measured.
In short, without the original disks and the product keys to match,
you're on your own and basically stranded from any support from microsoft. I
should know, that's why I buy the programs now so that I don't have to kick
my computer anymore from not having the source disks. Microsoft just wants
to make sure they get their money from legitimate sales, and not lose $$$ to
piracy--even though you indicated that you own both systems, Microsoft has no
way to verify that unless you activate the operating system. And without the
original master program disk, that's impossible.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

OEM programs live and die with the computer on which they came and are not
transferrable. You will need to obtain a retail version of Office for your
new computer.

Note to all - if you get Office OEM, you are getting a far less valuable
package than the slightly more expensive retail version since the OEM is
tied to that one machine only.


--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. Due to
the (insert latest virus name here) virus, all mail sent to my personal
account will be deleted without reading.

After furious head scratching, Geoff asked:

| I owned a Gateway PC running ME with some applications pre-installed
| but without source CDs or install programs. I now own a Dell PC and
| have copied all the old installed directories and dot exe files
| across to my new Dell which runs XP SP2.
|
| How can I install this software under XP without the install
| programs? I consider that I own the software concerned and so am
| entitled to obtain ongoing value in spite of swapping PCs.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

OEM programs live and die with the computer on which they came and are not
transferrable. You will need to obtain a retail version of Office for your
new computer.

Note to all - if you get Office OEM, you are getting a far less valuable
package than the slightly more expensive retail version since the OEM is
tied to that one machine only.


--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. Due to
the (insert latest virus name here) virus, all mail sent to my personal
account will be deleted without reading.

After furious head scratching, Geoff asked:

| I owned a Gateway PC running ME with some applications pre-installed
| but without source CDs or install programs. I now own a Dell PC and
| have copied all the old installed directories and dot exe files
| across to my new Dell which runs XP SP2.
|
| How can I install this software under XP without the install
| programs? I consider that I own the software concerned and so am
| entitled to obtain ongoing value in spite of swapping PCs.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

OEM programs live and die with the computer on which they came and are not
transferrable. You will need to obtain a retail version of Office for your
new computer.

Note to all - if you get Office OEM, you are getting a far less valuable
package than the slightly more expensive retail version since the OEM is
tied to that one machine only.


--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. Due to
the (insert latest virus name here) virus, all mail sent to my personal
account will be deleted without reading.

After furious head scratching, Geoff asked:

| I owned a Gateway PC running ME with some applications pre-installed
| but without source CDs or install programs. I now own a Dell PC and
| have copied all the old installed directories and dot exe files
| across to my new Dell which runs XP SP2.
|
| How can I install this software under XP without the install
| programs? I consider that I own the software concerned and so am
| entitled to obtain ongoing value in spite of swapping PCs.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

OEM programs live and die with the computer on which they came and are not
transferrable. You will need to obtain a retail version of Office for your
new computer.

Note to all - if you get Office OEM, you are getting a far less valuable
package than the slightly more expensive retail version since the OEM is
tied to that one machine only.


--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. Due to
the (insert latest virus name here) virus, all mail sent to my personal
account will be deleted without reading.

After furious head scratching, Geoff asked:

| I owned a Gateway PC running ME with some applications pre-installed
| but without source CDs or install programs. I now own a Dell PC and
| have copied all the old installed directories and dot exe files
| across to my new Dell which runs XP SP2.
|
| How can I install this software under XP without the install
| programs? I consider that I own the software concerned and so am
| entitled to obtain ongoing value in spite of swapping PCs.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

OEM programs live and die with the computer on which they came and are not
transferrable. You will need to obtain a retail version of Office for your
new computer.

Note to all - if you get Office OEM, you are getting a far less valuable
package than the slightly more expensive retail version since the OEM is
tied to that one machine only.


--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. Due to
the (insert latest virus name here) virus, all mail sent to my personal
account will be deleted without reading.

After furious head scratching, Geoff asked:

| I owned a Gateway PC running ME with some applications pre-installed
| but without source CDs or install programs. I now own a Dell PC and
| have copied all the old installed directories and dot exe files
| across to my new Dell which runs XP SP2.
|
| How can I install this software under XP without the install
| programs? I consider that I own the software concerned and so am
| entitled to obtain ongoing value in spite of swapping PCs.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

OEM programs live and die with the computer on which they came and are not
transferrable. You will need to obtain a retail version of Office for your
new computer.

Note to all - if you get Office OEM, you are getting a far less valuable
package than the slightly more expensive retail version since the OEM is
tied to that one machine only.


--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. Due to
the (insert latest virus name here) virus, all mail sent to my personal
account will be deleted without reading.

After furious head scratching, Geoff asked:

| I owned a Gateway PC running ME with some applications pre-installed
| but without source CDs or install programs. I now own a Dell PC and
| have copied all the old installed directories and dot exe files
| across to my new Dell which runs XP SP2.
|
| How can I install this software under XP without the install
| programs? I consider that I own the software concerned and so am
| entitled to obtain ongoing value in spite of swapping PCs.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

OEM programs live and die with the computer on which they came and are not
transferrable. You will need to obtain a retail version of Office for your
new computer.

Note to all - if you get Office OEM, you are getting a far less valuable
package than the slightly more expensive retail version since the OEM is
tied to that one machine only.


--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. Due to
the (insert latest virus name here) virus, all mail sent to my personal
account will be deleted without reading.

After furious head scratching, Geoff asked:

| I owned a Gateway PC running ME with some applications pre-installed
| but without source CDs or install programs. I now own a Dell PC and
| have copied all the old installed directories and dot exe files
| across to my new Dell which runs XP SP2.
|
| How can I install this software under XP without the install
| programs? I consider that I own the software concerned and so am
| entitled to obtain ongoing value in spite of swapping PCs.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

OEM programs live and die with the computer on which they came and are not
transferrable. You will need to obtain a retail version of Office for your
new computer.

Note to all - if you get Office OEM, you are getting a far less valuable
package than the slightly more expensive retail version since the OEM is
tied to that one machine only.


--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. Due to
the (insert latest virus name here) virus, all mail sent to my personal
account will be deleted without reading.

After furious head scratching, Geoff asked:

| I owned a Gateway PC running ME with some applications pre-installed
| but without source CDs or install programs. I now own a Dell PC and
| have copied all the old installed directories and dot exe files
| across to my new Dell which runs XP SP2.
|
| How can I install this software under XP without the install
| programs? I consider that I own the software concerned and so am
| entitled to obtain ongoing value in spite of swapping PCs.

 

[Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]]

OEM programs live and die with the computer on which they came and are not
transferrable. You will need to obtain a retail version of Office for your
new computer.

Note to all - if you get Office OEM, you are getting a far less valuable
package than the slightly more expensive retail version since the OEM is
tied to that one machine only.


--
Milly Staples [MVP - Outlook]

Post all replies to the group to keep the discussion intact. Due to
the (insert latest virus name here) virus, all mail sent to my personal
account will be deleted without reading.

After furious head scratching, Geoff asked:

| I owned a Gateway PC running ME with some applications pre-installed
| but without source CDs or install programs. I now own a Dell PC and
| have copied all the old installed directories and dot exe files
| across to my new Dell which runs XP SP2.
|
| How can I install this software under XP without the install
| programs? I consider that I own the software concerned and so am
| entitled to obtain ongoing value in spite of swapping PCs.