How can I avoid losing paid-for programmes when Windows XP is reinstalled on my computer? ?

Question

A friend is going to reinstall Windows XP on my PC. But I am woried that I will lose some programmes that I downloaded from the Internet, and paid for. I don't want to have to pay for them again.

Is there any way of keeping them when the PC's hard disk is formatted as part of the reinstallation procedure?

I thought about downloading the paid-for programmes on to blank CDs, but I don't suppose that would work.

Can anyone please help?

Answer 1

Most paid programs have a "serial" or "key" to register - a combination of letters/numbers along with your user information that you must input for the program to install. Along with copying the programs' installers to a CD/DVD, make sure you save your registration data as well.

You can also use the "upgrade" mode to install Windows XP without formatting the hard drive, but this type of installation is sometimes problematic with previously installed programs. Therefore, you want to keep a copy of the programs' installers and your registration data regardless.

Answer 2

Do you have the original installers with you? Just back it up and that would be all.

However, if you prefer to save the current "installed" programs on your disc, I'd recommend that you backup the entire hardisk. However, this means that you must have an extra hardisk with you. You will use it in backing up the hardisk installed on your system.

In short, clone the hardisk installed. Use Acronis True Image in doing this. Just download the program and you shall know what to do.    

Answer 3

Of course you'll be backing up important files you want to keep, but it's not as easy to back up programs. There are program-backup options, but in your case here's what I'd do:

If you can download the programs again (same version) then do so and save them somewhere safe. Don't install them, just keep the somewhere for installing later. If you have downloaded all programs with the same versions as you currently have, skip to the next step. If you haven't, do a web search for your version or try contacting the program vendor and see if they will provide you with the version you have. What you'll really need is your serial number (what you really paid for). The vendor may ask for this to verify the correct version to provide you.

Download the Everest Ultimate trial:

http://www.lavalys.com/products/download...

Run that, and on the left side, click SOFTWARE and then LICENSES. Those are all the licenses you've paid for for the various software. Copy them, write them down, whatever.

Now you can reinstall windows, reinstall your programs, and use the license numbers that you've written down.

Answer 4

Essentially you cant. I had to reinstall XP and installed just the running program so as to keep the programs. Some of them worked but most were lost or inactive, All were unknown by the new operating program.. In the end I reformatted and started again with much lost. You will lose the internet downloads because theyre registered to that specific version of XP, the new install will have a different number and so wont be accepted.