PC utilities forum: Moving Programs From One Computer To Another

If you are using Windows, you're out of luck due to the way it's set up. When a program is installed, changes are made to the registry, DLLs are shared, and files are created and/or modified throughout our system in addition to what's placed in the Program Files folder. This provides for better integration and reduces the possibility of piracy, but it does have its drawbacks, as you've now seen.

If these programs are freebies, just go to the respective websites and download them. Otherwise you need to contact your friend and obtain the CDs. Legally, when you transfer a computer to someone you're supposed to erase any programs (that are not freeware or trial-versions) that are installed unless the software is part of the deal, in which case you must hand over the original CD, any/all copies, and uninstall the software from any other computers you own. For more information you should consult the EULA (End User Licensing Agreement) for each program.

To summarize, there's no way to simply transfer the programs without the original installer/CDs. In addition, your copies of the software are most likely not legal since he still posesses the licenses, not you. As to the Norton program, I believe you mean Norton Ghost, which lets you make a complete copy of your hard drive, including OS. However, this will transfer everything (there are programs that let you backup just certain things, but you'll still be unable to successfully move the entire program and maintain functionality) and still won't solve the legal/licensing issues.

Hope this helps,
John

While it worked 90 or so percent of the time, it was a flop since for the times it didn't the buyers of this would call into tech support.

ALOHA BOB PC RELOCATOR suffers the same issue but they keep trying and do note that all programs will not move.

Bob

I'm a little unsure of what you are trying to accomplish. Are you saying you want to install Windows XP on a computer currently running Windows 98? If so, you need to place the Windows XP CD and click here for the tutorial. You cannot simply move Windows XP from one computer to another because not only is it an operating system but also locked to the hardware of the one computer. If that's not what you meant, please provide a clearer explanation of what software you are speaking of and what you are trying to accomplish.

Hope this helps and let us know more.
John