[crissy88]

I have an older computer that has Microsoft word, excel the whole nine yards. I would like to know if I can transfer these items over to my new computer. they are both Compaq and have windows 98. I don't want to pay another $300 to load these items when I already have them.

I also want to thank you for helping me on my last project with my scandisking. The information you gave me did the job. I know I finally found someone who knows what their doing. Thanks a million. Chris

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[Dan O]

You really cannot just copy programs from one PC to another, you need the Install CD. Because when an application is installed it copies files into many different locations (including Windows' folder), and makes changes to Windows' Registry and maybe some system .INI files. Plus it maybe illegal, you have to read the Copy Rights.

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Dan-O - MSCE

[billmcintee]

Actually, the legal thing could be an issue, but if the programs are registered to you...Powerquest has a program that transfers 100% of a drive's data(including the registry, preferences, etc...) to another via Drive Copy 3.0... http://www.powerquest.com go there and check out Drive Copy 3.0

[hbch]

To my understanding, if you purchased a legal copy of windows you may install it on several computers as long as they are your computers (and you are the only one that uses them). Windows comes installed on new pc's but you don't need to buy a new copy of windows if you build a pc and if you already have windows on another computer. This is your personal copy and can install it on multiple pc's for personal use.
Also, you should do what billmcintee suggested and use powerquest.com to clone your drive and spare yourself hours of installing everything from the old drive to the new one.
It's real simple and it doesn't take much time.

my 02 cents.

[LarryCore]

Don't know where you got the idea that you could install a program on multiple computers, but it is not true. Perhaps it IS true of some programs, but not of Windows, or any other OS made by Microsoft. Or Application, for that matter.

Windows may be installed on one computer. Period. If that computer crashes, you can reinstall Windows on it. If you buy a new computer, you must purchase a new copy of Windows for it.

I got into an argument with a rep from MS once, because he tried to tell me that the license was for the damn hard drive - if you installed a new hard drive you had to buy a new copy of Windows. He was later told he was wrong about that, thankfully.

However, if you wish to remain legal, one purchased copy per computer.

Now - if you copy from the old computer, then DELETE them from the old computer, you are ok - you only have it on one machine. No legal problems there.

[billmcintee]

Yeah, Larry..actually this is what I thought the person was going to do..take the software from the older computer and put it in the newer one and just use the newer one period. The legal issues on that subject you are 100% correct! But, how many of us actually follow the legal guidelines? I know that at least 70% of us has had friends or family members "burn" copies of programs for us, or maybe we have borrowed games from friends? As you definitley know, this is also highly illegal but people do it anyway.