Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
I want to buy a new laptop. Can I transfer the programs from my Dell desktop to the new laptop, things like Microsoft Office, Windows Media, etc., or do I need to buy this software again?
•
As with so many questions here, the answer starts with "it depends".
It depends on what you mean by "transfer", and it depends on what the license is for each of the software packages.
You may have to re-purchase some, but I'm guessing that for most, you won't.
•
First let's define "transfer". If by that you mean "move" - removing the software from your old machine, and installing it on the new - then the answer is typically yes. As long as you have the original CDs to perform the install, or the original downloads, in the case of downloaded software, it's typically quite alright to install the software on your new machine, and delete it from your old.
All that simply relies on the fact that most (though not all) software is licensed to be installed and run on only one machine at a time. It doesn't matter what machine, just that there's only one.
Which leads us to the other possible definition of "transfer". If you mean "copy" - where you would keep your old machine and have the same software installed on both - then you need to check the terms of the license for the software you're talking about. Many, perhaps most, are per-machine. Others, however, are per-location, or per-person, or allow you to install on some fixed number of machines (perhaps 2 or 3), or keep it installed on a machine as "backup".
There are obviously many possibilities, many confusing possibilities, and the only real answer to staying totally legal is to check that license agreement for each software package.
Note also that this only applies to software that you've purchased and that isn't freely available. Windows Media Player, which you've asked about, is a free download, and you can install that on as many machines as you wish. Microsoft Office, even if pre-installed with your computer, is subject to licensing restrictions.
And in all cases, this is one another of the many reasons I strongly recommend you insist on installation CDs for all the software that comes with your machine. If you ever need to move, or reinstall to that same machine, you may simply be out of luck without the CDs. There are PC-to-PC settings and applications transfer utilities out there ... sometimes even drive imaging software can be used to perform this function ... but it doesn't always work reliably. The safest is always a clean install from the original media.
Article C2599 - March 21, 2006
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
I realize that there are licensing restrictions on MS Office, but what about reinstalling 2003 MS Word considering the fact that it's out of date and I'm not asking for much? My old computer is no longer working -- motherboard went bad -- and I have the MS Word installation discs for my new computer (a gift that arrived without any WP program) but got a message stating "you are not authorized" when I tried to install using the old keycode. Attempted to contact MS to see if there are ever any exceptions to their rules, but couldn't find a way to contact anyone except a "virtual tech". Should I just give up and buy a new (expensive!) WP program?
Posted by: Joanne at February 13, 2010 5:05 AMFor all of you Microsoft Office people. There is a software called Open Office, its free and is compatible with all MS Office Applications.
Posted by: Eli at February 17, 2010 5:25 AMI have office 2007 which I installed on my desktop using the disk, I have now purchased a notebook which has no disk drive. I was wondering if there was anyway of transfering the software using a USB so that I don't have to purchase the office package again? Thanks.
Posted by: Suzanne Hughes at April 16, 2010 2:05 PMLEO: why do ytou always have to MUDDY ut the water with your comments about SW copyright issues??? Are you a CLOSET SW thief with guilty conscence?? You never seem to take a shot on this issue.
Most people have computers who crash and burn and need to move/transfer FILES AND PROGRAMS from a dead computer to a new one, and are not thieves, as you are emplying.
The software companies are well aware of how to protect themselves, their main and almost fool proog is the use of their SPYWARE within their UPDATE DOWNLOAD system, and their high cost for their software.
DAVID
an ANSWER WOULD BE APPRECIATED
Posted by: david at December 12, 2010 10:11 PMYou may consider to use WETC (windows easy transfer companion ) and PickMeApp.
Posted by: Appmen at January 10, 2011 2:07 AM* WECT may transfer your XP programs and settings to Vista and supports about 100 programs
* PickMeApp may transfer programs and settings to and from XP and Vista (xp2xp,xp2vist, etc). They claim to support unlimited number of programs. PickMeApp may solve transferring programs from one HDD to another on the same PC.