trying to save my software

[felix726]

Here’s the problem. Microsoft made an agreement with most of the major universities in the U.S. to practically give away a bunch of their software. For $100.00 I was able to get Office 2000 professional, Front Page 2000, Visual Studio 6.0, Visual J++ 6.0, The Microsoft Developer Network, and NT 4.0 workstation! The problem is, the Office and Front Page CD’s are yours to keep but the rest of the software was given to you as loaner CD’s and had to be given back within 8 days. This is fine as long as you are a student because you can go back and get the loner CD’s as many times as you want. My problem is that I graduate next quarter and will no longer have access to the CD’s. I’m planning on buying a new PC shortly after graduation and don’t know how I’m supposed to transfer all this software to the new PC without having the disks and doing a full installation. If the program files all I need then that isn’t a problem, but aren’t files added to the registry and to the system files during installation. If this is the case is there anyway of knowing what these files were and how to insert them into a new registry. Keep in mind that I don’t have much experience in tweaking my registry (always scared me a bit). Here are the things I don’t want to do cause I’m sure some people will suggest these solutions.
1. burn copies of the loaner CD’s (it’s illegal, enough said!)
2. copy an exact drive image of my old HDD onto my new HDD (I will be going from Win98 to Win98SE and want the extra stability, plus I don’t want to deal with all of the hardware conflicts this will cause)
If anyone can help me out I will really appreciate it cause I’ve gotten really spoiled with all of my fancy new compilers http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif
-felix

[Pantion]

What you want to do is transfer all your installed apps to the new computer without getting the CD from college, burn copies of it or make a HDD image right?

It is very difficult, since Microsoft products spread their files all over Windows system as well as registry entries... there is a way, but is very difficult and haven't done it myself. Inside the CDs there are small files or only one that contains all the routines that the install program will use to know were each file should be and what to put in the registry...

That method is way too difficult and can't be applied to all software... so you'll need to buy it, burn it or make the HDD image...

Also here on my college they have Microsoft's apps, but you only have 24hrs to install them and return the CDs... but hey! were else could I get Office 2k, Win NT 4, Win9x, etc.. for free?

[chuckiechan]

I would recommend a disk drive copy, since it will also keep you in your comfort zone since you have a "flow" with your existing system.
I think that Mr Gates realises that if you are copying for home use you will be unwilling to recommend a competitor's software to your boss because you are just hell on wheels with Bill's new software W2K!!
He really wants you to help sell it for him!

Congratulations upon graduating gradually!!

[Apostle 83]

You might just need to spend 70 bucks and get norons ghost image... Hear its easy to use...

[Axel]

I shudder at the thought of having a MS product installed, but not having a copy of the disk available. It will eventually fail and need to be re-installed - count on it. Should you choose any option but obtaining a copy of the operating system on disk, you will regret it - all legalities aside. Same with the other application software. Not being able to re-install is madness and doomed to failure.

However, should you choose to go down that road, make ABSOLUTELY sure you have a clean defragmented copy of your CAB files and several boot floppys secreted away.

[Groo]

Save yourself hours of frustration and buy the cd's at Academic price. It's the same bloody thing, but anywhere from $200-$400 cheaper if you're a student. For instance (canadian $), I can buy Office 97 full for $700 retail-average-Joe-off-the-street or $250 academic. Hmmmm....

Ghosting, copying files, etc. is all still illegal and a royal pain in the ****. Trust me, just buy it.

[Mntsnow]

As an OEM Systems builder I do have to agree with Groo. I can promise you that there will be a time that you need the FULL software and Licenses. As you can not and will not get support from any reputable shop or from microsoft if you have any problems with the software and dont legally own it.

Mntsnow

[richamies]

Surely if you are a licensed user of the software, you can use the software for as long as you wish. If the product you purchased does not include any installation medium, can anybody actually pursue a legal battle with regard to using a backup of the install cd?

As you are a licensed user I cannot see how anyone anywhere can expect you to live without an installation Cd of your software, if things went wrong with your PC, and they sure as hell do for me, are you expected to then purchase a full complete version?

I dont think even Microsoft would have a leg to stand on, you purchased the software on the basis it would do what you require, if it cannot be installed, it isnt doing its job and you are therefore entitled to a refund.

[bdog]

I am not positive, but isn't this software only for your use while you are a student at that university? Isn't it illegal to continue using it after you graduate?

[GVolosky]

One thing everyone has failed to mention is the EULA.... Everything revolves around the EULA.... Sooooooo what the heck does the EULA sayyyyyyyyyy............??????????????

[welsh wizard]

I have seen MS CD's on the auction sites over in the USA for very low prices, every now and then you come across some one who sells burnt back up copies, my question is, is this legal, as they claim it is if you are the licensed owner of the program. if this is correct for the USA, how do you get round the cert problem, I know the licence agreement is on the CD itself for when you install or if you are first time user with an OEM system.
So if you are a legal holder of a licence are you allowed to make a back up, or are you allowed to purchase a original at auction which is CD rom only?
WW