What is the EULA for Office XP Standard

[escKey]

I've spent an hour trying to find this EULA on Microsoft.com. Can anyone tell
me whether I can install this to multiple machines for home use (or where to
find the EULA on the website)?

I have a family of six so there are many times when more than one is needing
the productivity software. I've heard different opinions on whether I can
install it on multiple machine for home use. I cannot believe MS would make
me spend $400 just so my family could multitask. That would be
anti-collaborative and anti-productive.

 

[garfield-n-odie]

You can read the EULA that applies to your copy of Office by starting Word
and clicking on Help | Microsoft Word Help | Contents | click the + box to
the left of Microsoft Word Help | End User License Agreement. Generally, an
OEM version of Office XP cannot be installed on any other computer than the
one the computer manufacturer put it on, and a retail version of Office XP
Standard can be installed on one desktop and one laptop owned by you as long
as both computers are not used at the same time.

 

[escKey]

I appreciate the answer. Sound's like what I've been hearing. Seems like MS
is acting pretty thoughtless here. They used to license productivity software
for as many machines as you needed, so long as it stayed in the home. From
what I know of the Product Activation design, I suspect that is where the
limitations came from. Kind of makes it difficult to be family friendly when
protecting the income is more important.

I like how the labels read "opening this package implies you accept the
license" then the only way you can read the license is to install it.

Don't get me wrong. I love Microsoft products. I just have a real hard time
with corporate ignorance.

 

[garfield-n-odie]

Sounds like Office 2003 Students and Teachers Edition would be a better
solution for you. If you qualify for this version and can live with the
licensing restrictions (see
http://www.microsoft.com/office/editions/prodinfo/students/doyouqualify.mspx),
you are allowed to install it on three computers (any combination of desktops
and laptops) in the household and all computers can be used simultaneously.

 

[escKey]

Cool. That would work. But since I can't view the EULA until after I install
the product and by opening it I agree to the license, I now own a copy of the
Standard edition. Do you think MS has a program to transfer the license?

There is a restriction on commercial use. Do you think that means that if I
use the product to print up a sales bill for a used car or to sell some junk
I don't want anymore on ebay that I would be in violation of that agreement?

 

[garfield-n-odie]

Well, I'm not a lawyer and I don't work for Microsoft, so my interpretation
of the licensing restrictions doesn't mean a thing. See
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=295539 for instructions on contacting
Microsoft about licensing issues. As for your copy of Office XP Standard,
see http://www.microsoft.com/info/nareturns.htm. If you can't return it,
then at least Office XP Standard qualifies you for Office 2003 upgrade
pricing. Hopefully I've answered at least one of your questions.