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    Software from one computer to another ???

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by wordswork, Nov 1, 2005.

  1. wordswork

    wordswork Newbie

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    Hi everyone,
    I have what is probably a dumb question: My husband has a Gateway desktop with Office Professional 2003. Can I use the CDs he got with his Gateway to install the program on my Dell 6000 ? Unfortunately I ordered my Dell w/WordPerfect, and I hate to rebuy software that we already have in our home.

    Thanks!
     
    wordswork, Nov 1, 2005
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  2. dark_prince

    dark_prince Notebook Geek

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    You should be able to use it with your dell... infact with any PC...I guess.
     
    dark_prince, Nov 1, 2005
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  3. talkin73

    talkin73 Notebook Guru

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    The CDs will work, but it would violate their copyright policy to install it on more than one computer. I know many people feel this is unreasonable and I've never heard of anyone having legal issues as a result of installing on 2 computers in their home. But, never hurts to be totally aware prior to using software. Good luck with the 6000, I just got one myself!
     
    talkin73, Nov 1, 2005
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  4. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    I'm not sure about this, but I thought the office professional allows you to install it on more than 1 computer . I know with the student edition, you can install it on 3 PCs and still be legal.
     
    Amber, Nov 1, 2005
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  5. olyteddy

    olyteddy Notebook Deity

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    If it is an OEM version the disks may not work. I had a Word 2000 disk for my Compaq Presario and it wouldn't install to my laptop. It even stopped installing on the Presario after some hardware, BIOS and OS upgrades (went from Win98SE to XP).
     
    olyteddy, Nov 1, 2005
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  6. jim1395

    jim1395 Notebook Enthusiast

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    i've used a dell oem office cd on other machines but it only allowed 3 installs.
     
    jim1395, Nov 1, 2005
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  7. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Another option would be to install OpenOffice. It is an office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Office. You can open/save in .doc, .xls, .ppt, etc. without losing the formatting. Best part is it is free.
     
    ZaZ, Nov 2, 2005
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  8. lmychajluk

    lmychajluk Notebook Evangelist

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    3 Installs, or 3 Activations?

    Based on the Licensing Agreement, you would legally only be able to install it on one PC. MS's Activation process, however, usually allows a couple of installs, in case you retire a PC and want to re-install the software on another.

    -Lee
     
    lmychajluk, Nov 2, 2005
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  9. jim1395

    jim1395 Notebook Enthusiast

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    i just checked my wife's home/office desktop which was 1 of the pcs i installed on and it allowed install as well as activation. i just tried to activate it and recieved "software has already been activated" message. my old toshiba laptop has same message. don't know what to tell ya, but it seemed to work. i also worked at microwarehouse awhile back and as a promo ms gave out copies of office2000 pro to all employess for free, and i've installed that on several pcs i've owned over the past few years without any problems.
     
    jim1395, Nov 2, 2005
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  10. pt9386

    pt9386 Notebook Consultant

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    OEM's usually come pre-activated, this is because Dell essentially like other OEM licensing partners to Microsoft get a full version but have the complete rights to modifiy it themselves, including pre-loading a key and telling it that it already activated. To check if you have an activated Windows just simply go to Start > Run then type in:

    "%windir%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe" /a

    There is a line of code that they added to the install file that bypasses activation for OEM versions, but I don't want to say what it is. For ethical reasons, but you are welcome to google it.
     
    pt9386, Nov 4, 2005
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