Author Topic: Copying Programs?  (Read 1942 times)

Offline Oprime

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Copying Programs?
« on: July 31, 2005, 08:29:52 PM »
Is it possible to copy the installed files on a Windows based computer and some how transfer it to another 1 with out first using the Installation disks? For example if I lost the key and install disk of Office XP PRO 2003 but still have a full working copy on my computer before reinstallation of the OS. Would I be able to copy the registry Keys and the Installed files alone or would I need something else as well?
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Offline zigzagjoe

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Copying Programs?
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2005, 10:21:23 PM »
for mso, it next to impossible with how much it gets inside windows. i have done other simpler programs liek games by tracking down all the keys with names of the game in it (exe, full, company etc etc). you can probly get the key for mso out of the registry tho.

Offline Hooman

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Copying Programs?
« Reply #2 on: July 31, 2005, 11:44:32 PM »
No, not likely. You'd ahve to go through and re-activate windows. Even if you swapped the harddrive with the original working copy into a new computer, you'd need to re-activate it. The stored info is somehow related to the hardware in the system, so a straight copy won't work.

On the other hand, you might be able to re-activate without re-entering the key info. I can't quite remember. I guess it depends on what you're trying to do, and what you're worried about.
 

Offline thablkpanda

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Copying Programs?
« Reply #3 on: August 01, 2005, 06:58:07 PM »
See, it's highly complicated ( I dunno why i'm talking.)

All Microsoft Products (and some non-Microsoft programs) create a special string based upon your hardware ID's and such, like HDD serials, Network adapter serials (I forget the name for them at this moment ) etc., etc. And When you install a windows product, it creates a hash/string, based upon all that info, that's almost impossible to duplicate (even with a highly similar system) It sends that string to a Microsoft server, that stores that stores your key in their system, along with your 'hash/string' so your key can only be used with that system (depending upon the liscence type (one user, two user, etc.) If the key is registered with more than two systems, acc. to the Microsoft server, then It will deny your key, etc, etc.

So essentially, you could copy all of Microsoft Office XP's (or whatever edition you're using) 'stuff' to a drive, or a directory on a new computer, and it would run fine. However there'd be no file 'permissions' set. and Windows would act as though that didn't exist when attempting to open a .doc file. (even though it should point to MS Word).

It would all work, in theory, however to install it properly you'd need the executable copy I made (with a keygen  :D )

Thablkpanda-

Offline Leviathan

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Copying Programs?
« Reply #4 on: August 02, 2005, 09:20:53 AM »
If you have the install CD's your OK, just use em to install on another comp. The key is not the problem.