Posted: 10/1/2005 5:04:38 PM EDT
| Say I have office on my desktop and I need to install it on my new laptop, but cannot find the cd key for it. How do I get it off my desktop. Yes this is legit, I am not trying to do anything illegal. I simply want to put office on my laptop as opposed to my desktop. Can anyone help? |
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Actually, a call to Microsoft will result in them asking you to purchase another software license, since the license is per computer, not per user. Legally, you aren't supposed to have the same piece of software (or license key) installed on multpile computers. You could remove it from the desktop and be in "compliance" according to MS. While it sucks, that's just how it is. 
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Belarc's Advisor might help...I was in a similar situation where I had to reinstall a missing Xp component and lost the CD key after moving all the way across country. The big deal is whether you built the pc yourself and used MS , or if it came bundled with a mfg build, like Dell, HP, et..-then, what I linked to might not help at all. Googling does help, I did that not even one week ago myself. |
Download and run the keyfinder utility found HERE. The beta version is the one you want as it includes the ability to retrieve M$ Office product keys. |
Hi. This isn't exactly true; some licenses allow you to install on a laptop and a desktop if they aren't used at the same time. It also depends if you bought office in an OEM bundle from your computer retailer or if you bought it retail. This is one area where we really need to work on clarity  Ry Jones Microsoft |
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The magicjellybean link above is the way to go. Also on most MS office based products you can install Office on your desktop AND your laptop. The key being that it is for your use only and you are only using one at a time. During the activation process the software can tell laptop vs desktop install, whether they look is a different story. Lots of info on licensing on the net. |
Where Microsoft needs to work on clarity is to realize that when I buy a music CD to listen to, I don't need to buy ANOTHER copy of the SAME cd for my house, ANOTHER copy of the SAME cd to listen to in my car, ANOTHER copy of the SAME cd to listen to in my pickup, and ANOTHER copy of the SAME cd to listen to in my Walkman... If the music industry (screwed-up as they are) operated like Microshi'ite, that's the way it would be. Nothing personal against you RyJones, but your employer sucks. Now, I'll sit here quietly while you trace my IP address and then trash my computer. 
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Not necessarily. I bought MS OFfice from the computer store at ASU, and it says on the package that the license is for three computers at a time. |
It's hard to take your commentary seriously when you resort to namecalling, but I'll try.
You aren't buying the distribution media, you're buying a license to install and use the software. If our licensing isn't to your taste, there are other vendors you may use - OpenOffice comes to mind.
I respectfully disagree. Microsoft is paying about $3000 a month for my prescription drugs, and I think that's great.
Even if I had that power, I wouldn't use it. So you don't like our products - don't use them. It is that simple. We aren't the evil empire. Ry Jones Microsoft |
    ETA: I am glad they treat some of their employees well. I have heard that they are looking for people all of the time, but no one wants to work for them because they treat their employees so bad. |
If you saw the number of resumes coming in every day, you might revise your definition of "no one". I get asked if we're hiring so often I've had the Microsoft careers URL printed on my business card. 
Hey, I work in MSN - don't kill me! |
Damn, really? Good to know! How would I know which license allows for installation on a laptop and desktop? Thanks for the info! 
Was working on the assumption that we were dealing with a single-license retail product. Sorry!
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| I make sure I get the packages that allow for dual use licenses - and the student/teacher discount at the USC store. When up grading computers with new hard drives the Microsoft people were really easy to call and exchange 47 digit numbers with to get the old license on the new hard drive. |