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    installing licensed software after formatting

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by wdro, Nov 29, 2008.

  1. wdro

    wdro Notebook Evangelist

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    I am planning to format my computer but what would happen to my licensed software like MS office? Would I be able to reinstall it?
     
    wdro, Nov 29, 2008
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  2. Gregory

    Gregory disassemble?

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    As long as you have the installation media (CD, DVD, ect.) & your installation key code you can reinstall it.
     
    Gregory, Nov 29, 2008
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  3. wdro

    wdro Notebook Evangelist

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    But the product key only works for one computer and once the computer is formatted, will MS office recognize it as another computer?
     
    wdro, Nov 29, 2008
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  4. SDreamer

    SDreamer Notebook Consultant

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    Regarding activation, sometimes software deactives upon uninstallation, or there's some option of deactivating the program because you're going to reformat (usually found in the help menu). I don't think office does this though, so if you format, and reinstall on the same computer, I think it's just going to check for hardware changes upon activation to see if it was installed on another computer. I believe there's like an activation limit of 50 times on the same computer (lots of computers are the same that's why I would guess), but I haven't really read any hard support for that, and I don't think you'd reinstall it 50 times. Also, I think a key gets flagged if you keep reinstalling it within days. If the last time it was activated was weeks or months ago, I don't think there is anything to worry about. Overall, I don't think there isn't anything to worry about. Just uninstall it if you want some peace of mind before formatting. Maybe someone who knows more can comment on that.
     
    SDreamer, Nov 29, 2008
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  5. Nocturnal310

    Nocturnal310 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Try using Windows Easy Transfer software.

    it backups Program files also so u dont need to lose the License key.

    it has various methods of transferring your stuff to a new comp.
     
    Nocturnal310, Nov 29, 2008
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  6. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I installed XP professional on my old Medion countless times (because I always messed up my laptop, XP Pro was an Update came with Home)

    Anyway, at some point the key no longer get activated by itself, and I now have to phone Microsoft so they give me an activation code.

    In the end:
    You should be able to instal Office, no problems with that.
    If it doesn't activate, phone MS and they'll do it for you - and if you really run it on one computer only there is no reason why you shouldn't do it.
     
    DetlevCM, Nov 29, 2008
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