Copying software programs??

I have tried to copy software onto a cd for transfer to another PC but it doesn't seem to work for me. I could use some instruction on how to do this.


Thanks,
Jeff

 

>> I have tried to copy software onto a cd for transfer to another PC but it doesn't seem to work for me. I could use some instruction on how to do this. Thanks, Jeff <<

Hi Jeff,

Copying the software's file contents from the application's folder in the "Program Files" folder onto another computer simply put, does not work most of the time, unfortunately.

In most cases, in order to accomplish this you must install the program onto the new computer - not copy it. In most instances, users can copy the software's "install file" (usually an .exe file) onto a CD and then install the program elsewhere. Otherwise the program might not function correctly or may not work at all.

There are in fact a few very simple types of programs out there (usually smaller, freeware apps) that users can copy from one computer, then onto a CD and then onto another computer, however the vast majority of shareware as well as freeware applications require reinstallation using the install file - especially the larger, more complicated apps.

The primary reason you cannot physically do this; is because more often than not, most programs require installation of registry files that are not located in the "Program Files" folder containing the software program that you want to copy. Therefore when you copy the "incomplete files" onto the new computer and then click on the programs shortcut icon nothing happens because the required "registry files" are missing from the new computer that you just copied that software application to.

Another reason that users cannot simply copy the program itself and then transfer it to another computer is because what you want to do here; making additional copies, or loading the software onto more than one machine, may violate copyright law and would be considered piracy - something Major Geeks frowns on.

The developers often create their software in such a way because they do not want users copying software onto a CD and then onto other computers without paying for it. If users could do this, then they might purchase just one copy of say, Microsoft Office or Photoshop or some other application and then simply copy it onto a friend's computer or perhaps even distribute it to all of their coworkers at the office without paying for it.

Good Luck!

 

Not what I wanted to hear but that was a very nice explanation. Should the ethernet controller software be on the windows xp reinstall disc? Here I will list the devices that are not working due to missing or uninstalled software. Any guidance would be much appreciated. Dell Inspiron 6000 windows xp professional.

ethernet controller
multimedia audio controller
pci modem
video controller
video controller (vga compatible)

Thanks,
Jeff

 

Looking at the above post, is it possible to connect to the internet in any way at all? Considering what is missing.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

You should go to your motherboards' manufacturer and get the ethernet controller software if it's onboard, or even the whole suite of drivers usually come on disc with the motherboard. Not knowing the computer you're transferring to, I can't be more specific.

 

Try this: http://support.dell.com/support/dow...emID=INS_PNT_6000&os=WW1&osl=en&catid=&impid=

You need to download the correct Network driver on another PC and copy it to a CD. You can use your service tag to get the exact specs of your computer if you do not know which one you have. You can install the driver from the CD, then you should be able to download the rest of the drivers onto the laptop.

Or you might want to put all of them on a CD to save yourself some time in the future.

E

 

Thanks, I will try that!! And I do appreciate the help very much!!!

Thanks,
Jeff

 

As mentioned in an earlier post, I cannot get the program onto a cd that I can transfer. Just doesn't work. If someone knows this procedure step by step I'd certainly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

My working computer is windows xp and has a cd burner. I reinstalled windows xp onto a friends computer and there are five pieces of software missing. I need to get the network driver downloaded so I can at least get to the internet. I went to the Dell site and entered my service tag and got the driver info I needed and downloaded the driver. (R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection. I'm not sure which part of the download I need. It unzips files and there ends up with three different things. When I try to download any of them from the cd to the bad computer it just doesn't work. It gives a message saying something like: No pro drivers found on this machine. I know I'm probably just missing something but don't know what it is. I need step by step instruction. Don't assume I know what is obvious to you. I apparently don't know what I'm doing.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

I figured it out, thanks everyone!!

Thanks,
Jeff

 

I will share what the very SIMPLE but, aggravating problem was. On the Dell download site I entered my tag number and got the specs for my computer, which is really nice. I found the network driver and clicked on the blue DOWNLOAD NOW tab on the right hand side. Doing it this way didn't work, at least not for me. So after trying that 4-5 times I decided to go to the left hand side and click on one of the network drivers by itself, and IT WORKED!!! I could tell something was different when I was copying it, as it took considerably longer than the previous failed attempts. My question would be of course, what is DOWNLOAD NOW tab actually for?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

Dell's website must have been having some problems. (Maybe a lot of formated Dell's this year)

Glad you got it working.

E