Installing Software on another computer

Question

Hi Folks,

I have had my Dell for a little over a year now and have decided to put Linux on it. However, I have also built another machine as my Windows desktop. I would like to put the OS and software that came with the dell on the new computer.

I have an XP cd from another install, but the serial number from the Dell will not work. Since I purchased the software surely I should be able to install it wherever I want?

The same applies to other software from the Dell. I'd like to keep Sonic and Creative Media Source and a few others. Since these only install with a system restore I cannot extract them from the CD. Again, I believe that since I purchased the Dell with this software I own the software and should be able to install it on whatever computer I choose.

Any suggestions on how to obtain this software without having to pay for them again.

Thanks.

rickmktg · Answer

1skydive wrote:
Hi Folks,

I have had my Dell for a little over a year now and have decided to put Linux on it. However, I have also built another machine as my Windows desktop. I would like to put the OS and software that came with the dell on the new computer.

I have an XP cd from another install, but the serial number from the Dell will not work. Since I purchased the software surely I should be able to install it wherever I want?

The same applies to other software from the Dell. I'd like to keep Sonic and Creative Media Source and a few others. Since these only install with a system restore I cannot extract them from the CD. Again, I believe that since I purchased the Dell with this software I own the software and should be able to install it on whatever computer I choose.

Any suggestions on how to obtain this software without having to pay for them again.

Thanks.

In the future, by using the Advanced Forum Search on the bottom of this page, you can quite easily find the answer to this often asked question.

Your belief that you own the software and should be able to install it on whatever computer you want is not a correct one. The software licenses are OEM and belong to the system, not to you. They cannot be transferred. Further, the Dell XP is locked to a Dell bios. Old issues, discussed many times on these forums.

I you want to build a computer, you'll need to buy software to go with that computer. If you buy RETAIL copies of software, they ARE transferrable to a new computer but in many cases you'll need to contact the manufacturer (i.e. MS) to get them to transfer the license and activate the computer.

1skydive · Answer

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the reply. I did actually search first but gave up after wading through pages of posts that didn't apply to my question. Maybe I should have been more patent.

In response to your reply. I do understand this to an extent, but what if the computer dies, all the software is lost with it? This has to be one of the biggest cons in recent history.

I have quite a technical background but after my dell arrived with different hardware than what I had ordered and unable to rectify the situation after many chats with tech support and conversations with folk who had very limited technical verbal ability, I gave up.

Eventually all my account history disappeared (what a surprise) along with the ongoing technical support tickets. Every time I tried to contact Dell I was told that I didn't have a dell account.

I had several problems with the machine and it's software and to cut my losses I decided to put the useless equipment to use by putting on Linux and now I cannot use the software either.

I usually build my own machines but decided to get a Dell. I guess this was my first and last Dell purchase.

Very disappointed.

Windows General

Installing Software on another computer

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