How do you switch an old program from one computer to another?

Question

I copied all the back up information onto a storage drive, but I cannot get the program itself onto the new computer. I misplaced the original program disk.

I just got one of those HP slimlines. I will stilll have to look for the program disk (misplaced it through moving, so it may be lying around somewhere). The program is actually a medical program, Ive backed up the datafiles and apparently the program itself would allow me to install it but it needs my product key. (I noticed that it was stored in my backup under *.exe extension)If I dont find the disk, I will more than likely get that pc transfer software that was recommended earlier--AND may just have to buy that program again.

Answer 1

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NEW:
Well, I guess you'll have to find that program or buy a new program in order to input the product code key. That PC software transfer program won't be of any use in this case.
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Um, I'm not exactly sure what you mean.
Are you saying that you backed up a program's DATA on a storage drive, and you can't install the program for the data on the new computer?
What's the name of the program? Unless you have some other program which could read the data files, you'll have to search for or buy an updated version of your original program.
What's the file extension for the data files?

If you mean that you've backed up both program and data with a backup program, and you only wish to extract that particular program, then you might be out of luck. Some backup programs only allow you to extract everything at once -not individual files.

Answer 2

Generally speaking, this may not always be possible. Some programs have installers that modify system environment (set system variables, add entries to the registry, etc.) When you copy the program to another computer, none of the system variables and registry entries are transferred, so the program may not work correctrly or not work at all.

You need an installation disk. Get in touch with the manufacturer and ask if they could send you a replacement disk. If not, hop on eBay and see if anyone is selling a copy they no longer need.

Alternatively, look for a file called setup.exe in your program's directory. If there is one, try running it and see if it can repair your installation...

Answer 3

Your only option is to use the original program disk.

Let's say that you bought the program for $50. You installed it on a computer, that DISK is still worth the $50 that you paid. Years go by and you get a new computer, that DISK is still worth the $50 that you paid. Why is an installation disk any less valuable than your other possessions, or did you lose your car someplace? In fact, your car loses value as time goes on, that disk doesn't.

So go buy a new one. (Unfortunately, your next computer might be Windows Vista, and that program might not be compatible with it... that's when the disk will become useless).

Answer 4

Software, when you install them, don't just copy themselves into a /Program Files. They usually install other needed files into your system directory, and entries into the computers registry. In short, any program that came with an installer, you cannot just copy paste to a new computer.

You will really need to reinstall the program from it's original source.

Answer 5

Doubt you'll be able to do it unless you used something like PC Relocator or other software to get your programs onto the new pc. I used it once to migrate to a newer pc and it works fine on some programs but not all.

Answer 6

i might want to attempt this by technique of skill of choosing the iPod's icon (you say it shows up) and then make a disc photo utilising Disc software software. (it is interior the Utilities folder, positioned in applications). this may produce a compressed version (password-lockable if wanted) of the iPod that would want to mount interior the similar way as an outdoors disc pressure. (it is document descriptor might want to be .dmg - it is likewise conceivable to connect this to an digital mail, and so on.) it is on a Mac. There might want to be an equivalent way of manufacturing disc images (.dmg archives) on a residing residing house residing house windows gadget - in case it is what you're utilising. -|--)

Answer 7

Look at MaxBlaster4 (freeware).

Answer 8

Use this:

http://www.stompsoft.com/easypctransfer.html

Answer 9

buy another disc