Software Recovery from Crashed Computer

lightweight · Dec 15, 2008

I have yet another (laptop) computer, and this one has a crashed hard drive. I bought it about a year ago, and it had Windows Vista home edition preloaded (HP 1320 laptop). I then purchased MS Office Home Edition, and loaded that (standalone). Recently (6 weeks ago) I also purchased new and installed MS Access 2007 (standalone). Then, about 4 weeks ago, I knocked my computer off the table, and the hard drive is crashed. I will post a help notice on how to recover hard drives later, but my present question is this:

Suppose I cannot recover the hard drive...is there a way to recover the software from Microsoft, so that I am allowed to download it after I purchase and format a new hard drive (or after I reformat the old hard drive, assuming the HD take a reformat)?

Thanks in advance for your help.

DavidGP · Dec 16, 2008

Hi

What route did you purchase the software from? If from the Microsoft Store then log into your account and IIRC the licence keys and download to the software is available for download again if needed, they typically stay available for 5yrs which is usual lifespan of a product, but do once downloaded the packages, burn them to CD for safe storage and write the licence key on the case.

Benefits
You may be more familiar with packaged software on CDs or DVDs, but there are a lot of benefits to downloading software instead.
Your software is available immediately.
When you buy software on CDs or DVDs, you are advised to make backup discs in case you lose or damage the original discs. With electronic software delivery, your backups are maintained on-line. If you lose your hard drive or have other problems, you can just download your software again.
Returns are easier, and there is nothing for you to mail back.
Downloading software is more environmentally-friendly and saves energy and resources by eliminating the need for product packaging and shipping.
Click to expand...

Above taken from the Microsoft Store help page, logged in with my account to check.

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Software Recovery from Crashed Computer

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DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member