I borrowed my friend's Microsoft Program, but i downloaded it without entering a product key. Now, the computer won't stop asking for it. I'll enter it, but is there a limited number of times you can enter a Product Key? If my friend needs t re-install this in HER computer in the future,will it allow her? Or will it say, it's already been entered too many times??
2007-10-23 02:49:59 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
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2007-10-23 04:04:00 · answer #1 · answered by hassan 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I need DETAILS. Which program, which version, which operating system are you using, ...
Starting with Windows XP around 2003 Microsoft switched to a hacker-resistant process. You can typically install and run a program for 30 days, then it requires authentication. The authentication process, as best I know, can only occur through an internet connection.
That means only one PC can use the program. There is a way to re-register and transfer a program. For example, your computer died so you bought another computer and want to reinstall your legitimate Microsoft program.
Product Key? Reinstall on the first PC? I'm not aware of a specific number of times that you can use the product key. BUT, your friend might have to use the my-computer-died story to reload onto her PC.
This is one reason that I still use Windows 2000 and Office 2000. Newer programs have some advantages but not enough to motivate me to make the change.
2007-10-23 10:57:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm. Microsoft program?
Word? Excel? Picture it? Outlook?
Microsoft only makes a zillion different programs.
After you installed it, and entered the product key, why would it keep asking you for it?, unless you installed a registered version of Windows XP or Vista...then you should smash your computer immediately! Every time you enter the product key, it gives the Microsoft police more clues on how to find you, and you know what they do with software pirates???
THEY MAKE THEM WALK THE PLANK MATEY!!!
2007-10-23 10:03:16 · answer #3 · answered by timbers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obviously, Elana hasn't run into the " bug, or spyware, adware,etc." involved in running so-called "freeware", but she'll learn soon enough.
As to your Microsoft question, why do people always want programs for free....Now, most software programs can be loaded into(for most) up to three separate computers for HOME use.....
secondly, anytime you download a program, that requires "license" verification, you should always perform that upon the first prompting for the "key". You can try, un-installing the program, then re-installing the program again, this time using the patience needed to finish the entire process...
Have a great day, always investigate thoroughly, any freeware products before "trying" them.........some adware, spyware, and even viruses can be downloaded along with these FREEWARE programs.....
2007-10-23 10:04:46 · answer #4 · answered by graciouswolfe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Under most licensing agreements, you've just broken the contract by putting a licensed product on a machine for which you did not purchase a valid license.
Microsoft has not gone as far as they could with license keys in part because of privacy advocates. Many of their products have not traditionally required a product key unique to the machine, and MS has not kept track of which computers have their software installed. So, while you will continue to be prompted to enter your license key, your friend will probably be fine.
That may be changing. In the interest of protecting their intellectual property, many companies are requiring online or telephone registration and in some cases, you have to receive the product key after registration.
I believe in most states, and many countries around the world, you have committed not just a breach of contract, but an actual crime. Software piracy laws, when enforced, can carry very severe penalties.
I recommend you remove the product immediately and never steal software again. Micro$oft is not tollerant of people who abuse their license agreements. Alternately, you could purchase a license and continue to use the product.
2007-10-23 10:03:02 · answer #5 · answered by ima_super_geek 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Unless your friend had some multi-user key (something that can be used on 3-5 computers or more), then it should work on your computer as well as his/her. But if it's just a plain single key, it will be blocked on any one of the two computers. You can use a single key on a single computer only. If you like the software (whatever it is), I suggest that you go out to the Microsoft online store and purchase it, it shouldn't cost much.
:)
2007-10-23 09:59:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do you know if you have entered the correct product key.
Place the CD into a working computer. Exit from auto run. Open My Computer. Right click on D:\. Click on Explore. The product key is in the i386 file on Windows...just have to know where to look...
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2007-10-26 14:13:26 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No there is not a limited number of times you can enter the product key - your friend should be alright
2007-10-23 10:01:15 · answer #8 · answered by cool_clearwater 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you didn't read the end user license did you most software that is purchased you can only use on one system hers will be ok but you're gonna have to un-install
2007-10-23 10:00:13 · answer #9 · answered by zippo091 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why are you even bothering with Microsoft licensed software?
There is so much free-ware that is less buggy and more secure.
2007-10-23 09:53:31 · answer #10 · answered by Elana 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋