Cracked MS Office...

PoBoy · 03-16-2004, 05:32 PM

I litterally cracked in half my MS Office CD. Is there anyway to get MS to give me a new one? Or can I use a "copy" legally even if it isnt a copy of my CD?? Any other options?

Lesson: Dont send unprotected CD's through the mail

Dluvr22 · 03-16-2004, 05:40 PM

MS will not give you a new one however if you get another one and use your CD key when doing the installation, you should be fine, that is if it is not Office XP. Is It?

PoBoy · 03-16-2004, 05:51 PM

Actually its Office 2000 and its the Academic Version...which probably causes even more of an issue.

Dluvr22 · 03-16-2004, 05:54 PM

If your software did not require activation then you are fine as long as you can find a copy. If it does require activation then you will have to deal with microsoft after you reinstall your software

Bobby Digital · 03-16-2004, 05:55 PM

You can use a copy of anyone elses cd as long as it's the same version (ie. professional or whatever other versions there are). The data on the disc will be the exact same. Just use your own cd key when installing it. After it is installed there will be no way of telling what cd was used to install it and it will be identical to your original install.

I doubt you would get busted anyhow even if you used a different key as there are so many people who use pirated copies of office (and windows for that matter)...

Mr.Sinister · 03-16-2004, 10:36 PM

You'll have to pay for it, but MS should replace the disk for you.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;326246

forum · 03-17-2004, 01:25 AM

you own a license for that software, if you were to copy someone else's cd it would be perfectly legal as long as you still only had one installation with your cd key. The license is for one installation on one computer in most cases(maybe academic is different)

ODYSSEY · 03-17-2004, 03:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by forum

you own a license for that software, if you were to copy someone else's cd it would be perfectly legal as long as you still only had one installation with your cd key. The license is for one installation on one computer in most cases(maybe academic is different)

Let me give you some examples:
You have one license installed on one computer, but 100 copies of the CD - OK
You have 100 licenses installed on 100 computers, but 1 CD - OK

The license is usually the CD-key, but not always the case with Microsoft. Sometimes it on the Certificate of Authenticity.

With software you pay for a license to use the software, not the CD. If I were to give you one of my 100 copies (without a key) to replace your broken CD it is legal.

It would be illegal if I gave you a copy with a working key, if I have already used all my licenses. Aka, I have 1 license that is now installed on two computers.

The only thing you have to make sure is if your license is for the academic version, you need a copy of that version. You can't install the regular or professional version (assuming the key works) and still be legal.

You could also download the CD of the internet, but I worry if it a true CD or a hacker enchanded copy.

Also Microsoft usually goes after small to large businesses and organizations, because John Doe would not have the monies to pay their fines, plus it would give them a bad image.

kickercivic1 · 03-17-2004, 03:22 PM

Microsoft will give you a new one. I just mine few days ago. My work uncle works with school board and he called in for me and they took of the charges.